Officers and staff at Rochdale Police Station pay their respects

Officers and Staff at Rochdale Police Station meeting to pay their respects

Officers and staff at Rochdale Police Station marked the murders of two French police officers and 10 other people by holding a small ceremony and two minute silence.

Twenty-four hours after the brutal events in Paris, staff and officers joined police colleagues across the country in paying respect to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack at the head offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

Photographs of ceremonies taken place within the Force will be sent to the French police to show support and a book of condolence will be available from Monday 12 January 2015, at police headquarters for anyone wishing to leave a message.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Peter Fahy, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of all those who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic and savage events.

“At 10.30am, 24 hours on from this appalling atrocity, we will hold a small ceremony to pay our respects and remember the twelve innocent people who were murdered, including two police officers who were simply trying to protect the public.

“All members of the British police forces are shocked at the savagery of this attack. In any democratic society it is the role of the police to protect basic human rights and our two French colleagues died protecting free speech.

“They knew the risks they were facing in carrying out their duty and clearly showed great bravery in trying to prevent the terrorists murdering others. We stand in solidarity and express our great sympathy for their families and friends.

“We have to stand together against this threat and we cannot be naive or complacent about how extremist ideologies seek to justify this compete disrespect for human life and for the values which ensure the freedom and welfare of all citizens. We need the continued cooperation and support of the public but all members of British policing will be even more determined to meet this threat. "