Tributes to murdered Pc Fiona Bone, originally from Castle Donington, Leicestershire

Greater Manchester Police have held a minute’s silence to remember two of their officers, one originally from Leicestershire, who were killed in a grenade and gun attack.

Pc Fiona Bone, 32, originally from Castle Donington, and Pc Nicola Hughes, 23, from Oldham, were killed after apparently being lured to Mottram, by a hoax burglary report.

Soon after the two policewomen died, one of the country’s most wanted men, Dale Cregan, 29, gave himself up to police.

Fellow officers and civilian staff at GMP held a minute’s silence today at 11am in memory of the pair.

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At a press conference yesterday, Sir Peter said: "This is a dark day for policing in not only Greater Manchester, but in the UK as a whole, as we have lost two valued members of our team.

“Nicola and Fiona exemplified all that is best in British policing, by putting others first to go into dangerous and unknown situations each day, to help people in the worst moments of their lives.

“Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and of course colleagues, at this immensely difficult time.

He said Pc Bone had been a "calm, gentle woman", an "excellent bobby" and had been in the middle of planning her wedding.

She moved with her family to the Isle of Man in 1997, before studying for a degree at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.

Colleagues of Nicola and Fiona have paid tribute to the pair, who are both described as ‘excellent bobbies’.

Fiona’s colleagues paid the following tribute. They said: “When Fiona first joined the shift, she was quite quiet and reserved. However, she came out of her shell and had a great sense of humour, always enjoying a good laugh.

“Officers loved being partnered up with Fiona as she was always calm, collected and professional and could diffuse situations with her calm gentle way. She was an excellent bobby and cared about her job and the community she served."

Nicola’s colleagues paid the following tribute. They said: “Nicky was very bubbly and loved life and socialising. She was a chatterbox and was always smiling, even after a night shift when everyone else was a bit grumpy.

“She was a good listener and couldn't do enough for people, she was a lovely friend and a great bobby.”

Cregan had been questioned and bailed in connection with the murder of Mark Short, 23, who was shot dead in a Manchester pub in May.

Mr Short’s father, David Short, 46, who had branded his son’s killer “a coward”, was murdered in a gun and grenade attack at his home in August.

Cregan was wanted for questioning over both killings.

Four men have already been charged in connection with Mark Short's murder and are due to enter pleas at Manchester Crown Court in November.

A 33-year-old man and a 24-year-old man have been charged with the murder of David Short.

Mr Cregan is now being questioned over the deaths of David and Mark Short, as well as the murders of the two police officers.

Greater Manchester Police have created an online book of condolence for anyone who wishes to leave messages for the two officers. To leave a message go to www.gmp.police.uk