Memorial unveiled for PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes
A MEMORIAL stone has been laid in Manchester to honour two brave PCs who were killed while on duty.
The Police Memorial Trust’s 39th National Memorial was unveiled by former Prime Minister David Cameron at a ceremony on 14 July at the Hub in Mottram. It honours PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, who were murdered while protecting the citizens of Mottram.
On 18 September 2012, Fiona and Nicola responded to what they believed was a routine burglary call in Hattersley, but sadly it was in fact a trap set by Dale Cregan, who was wanted by police. He shot the two officers repeatedly before throwing a grenade at them and running away.
The unveiling of the memorial was also attended by Geraldine Winner, chairman of the Police Memorial Trust, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, the families of both officers and their police colleagues together with the local MP and other dignitaries.
The private event started at 3.30pm when the Greater Manchester Police Band played, followed by speeches and the unveiling of the memorial.
Chief Constable Hopkins said: “None of us will forget the morning of 18 September 2012 when PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes were brutally murdered doing the job they both loved so passionately. For their families and those who knew and loved them, their loss still feels as great today as it did then.
“I would like to thank the Police Memorial Trust for honouring Fiona and Nicola with this memorial. I know that these two brave officers will never be forgotten, but this memorial will act as a permanent reminder of the enormous sacrifice they made. I hope it will be a place where people can pay their respects, but also remember the love, happiness and care they gave to those fortunate enough to have been touched by their all too short lives.”
Ian Hanson, Chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “Nobody will ever forget what was the darkest day in GMPs history when two young people were taken from their loved ones.
“Nicola and Fiona stood for everything that is decent in both our police service and society.
“They were proud to wear their uniform and today our GMP family are proud to remember them in unveiling what will be a permanent memorial to our friends.”