Police officer killed in shooting

PC Fiona Bone

A police officer, PC Fiona Bone, has died and another has been critically injured as they attended a routine incident at Abbey Gardens in Hattersley, Tameside shortly before 11am today.

There were reports that shots were fired.

The two female police officers, who were unarmed, suffered serious injuries and one officer tragically died at the scene.

Medical teams were quickly on the scene to provide treatment and armed response vehicles have secured the area.

The second officer has been critically injured and is being treated at hospital.

We are currently working to inform the families of these officers.

A short time later, 29-year-old Dale Cregan was arrested after he walked into a police station in Tameside.

Cregan has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder in relation to the investigations into the murders of David Short and Mark Short. He has also been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a police officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "This is a heartbreaking time for the officers' families and colleagues and our thoughts are with them.

"This is a tragic day for the whole Force and we are currently piecing together exactly what happened this morning, which has led to one of our officers being murdered and another lying in hospital fighting for their life.

"I understand that the community will be fearful as they hear news of what has happened this morning. We have armed officers patrolling the area and we will aim to keep people updated as much as we can."

Ian Hanson, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: "Words almost fail me. I want to look beyond the uniform here.

"What we've got are two young girls who went out this morning and they've got an absolute right to come home to their loved ones.

"This is cold-blooded murder, the slaughter of the innocents."