Tributes have been paid to the two ‘brave and courageous’ policewomen.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Peter Fahy said the force was in mourning and officers were ‘devastated’ by what had happened.

Fiona Bone, 32, pictured above left, who had served with the police for five years, was ‘so happy’ with her partner and had been planning for upcoming her civil partnership.



Sir Peter said: ‘When she 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.

‘She was so happy with her partner and they were in the middle of planning their wedding. Indeed her partner only spoke to her this morning about the wedding invites and fellow officers gave her advice about how to make them on the computer.

‘Her fellow officers said that they always loved being partnered off with her as she was always calm, collected and professional, and could defuse situations with her calm, gentle way. She was an excellent bobby, and cared about her job, and the community she served.’

'We would like to say a huge thank you to the public for (a) great show of support. I cannot tell you how much it means to us at this most difficult time' Sir Peter Fahy, GMP Chief Constable

Nicola Hughes, 23, pictured above right, who had served for three years and lived in the Oldham area with her mother, was described as a ‘bubbly’ woman who ‘loved socialising’ and enjoyed karate.



The chief constable said: ‘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 could not do enough for people. She was a lovely friend, and a great bobby.’

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said 2,600 messages of condolence had already been left for the officers.

Sir Peter Fahy said that the messages would be passed on to the officers' families, and that the outpouring of support 'would mean a huge amount' to them.

In a video message posted online, he said: 'Since the awful deaths of our two police officers Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, we've received thousands of messages of support and condolence from the public and a huge number of hits on the Facebook site.

'We would like to say a huge thank you to the public for this great show of support. I cannot tell you how much it means to us at this most difficult time.

'We will be drawing together all these messages and passing them to the families of our two sorely missed colleagues.

'I know that this great public support will mean a huge amount to them and will be a great comfort. Thank you.'



Condolences have been left by fellow officers from forces across the UK.

'Our thoughts are with you all in GMP and with the families and friends of Fiona and Nicola. Two bobbies just doing their job have made the ultimate sacrifice, but your police brothers & sisters will never forget you. Rest in peace girls' DC Jeff Wheble, Thames Valley Police

Mike Downey, from GMP, wrote: 'God bless to brave colleagues. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rest in peace.'

Nick Addis, from West Midlands Police, wrote: 'Absolute tragedy. Thoughts are with the families. RIP both of you. No force boundaries today, one united family'.

Detective Constable Jeff Wheble, from Thames Valley Police, said: 'Our thoughts are with you all in GMP and with the families and friends of Fiona and Nicola.

'Two bobbies just doing their job have made the ultimate sacrifice, but your police brothers & sisters will never forget you. Rest in peace girls. From all of us on the CAIU team at Cowley, TVP.'

Other messages came from people in forces including Lancashire, Metropolitan, Fife, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Northumbria, Merseyside, and Dyfed-Powys.

Tom McGhie, former chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Federation, wrote: 'My experiences when I was the chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation at the time that Ian Broadhurst and Sharon Beshenivksy were murdered will live with me for ever.

'Their sacrifice and those of your colleagues murdered today will never be forgotten. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.'

Tributes were also left by people in Manchester. Peter Read wrote: 'So shocked that this has happened in our city. Sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of these two dedicated protectors of the public. RIP.'