City stops to mourn Pc slain in gun attack

Thousands of police officers and ordinary members of the public paid their respects today at the funeral of a young policewoman killed in a gun and grenade attack.

Officers from across the UK stood shoulder to shoulder, heads bowed, lining the streets of 
central Manchester as the funeral cortege for Pc Nicola Hughes, 23, made its way to the city’s cathedral for the service.

They were joined on Deansgate by hundreds of members of the public who heeded a call from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for “decent people” to stand with the force and show support for Pc Hughes and her colleague, Pc Fiona Bone, 32.

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Both officers were lured to their deaths by what appeared to be a routine burglary call to a house in Hattersley, Tameside, on September 18.

Police motorcycle outriders provided a guard of honour ahead of the cortege, led by the funeral carriage pulled by six horses from GMP’s mounted unit and bearing the coffin, shrouded in black cloth.

The family of Pc Hughes led mourners into the cathedral 
including her mother, Susan, father, Bryn, and younger brother, Sam, following the coffin, carried by colleagues of Pc Hughes, with the fallen officer’s hat and a floral tribute atop.

A big screen also relayed the funeral at the rear of the cathedral for hundreds more gathered outside.

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Some mourners – members of the public and police – wiped away silent tears as the hymns were sung and poignant poems read by workmates of Pc Hughes while a full-size photograph of her was mounted at the front of the church.

Sergeant Stephen Lovatt read Death Is Nothing At All, Inspector Jane Brown read Don’t Let Your Hearts Be Troubled and Sergeant Gordon Swan read Feel No Guilt In Laughter.

Police chaplain Keith Stewart said Pc Hughes was born at the Royal Oldham Hospital in 1988, attended Saddleworth High School and went on to study at Huddersfield University before joining the police.

He asked mourners to “remember a vibrant young woman” 
who was a green belt in karate but also enjoyed looking after her nails and hair and who still had “something of the little girl about her”.

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Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy spoke of Pc Hughes being “incredibly mature” despite her young years.

She died from “her own devotion to others”.

“Nicola, in her dedication and professionalism, in the way she carried out her duties, showed that policing is not about muscle but reason, restraint and intelligence,” he said.

“Her family were so proud of Nicola. She was a fighter.”

He said every photograph of her reflected her warm smile.

He added: “We will never forget her great sacrifice.”

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