Poignant reminder of brave PCs' sacrifice

FORMER Prime Minister David Cameron unveils the memorial to PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes in Mottram yesterday

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FORMER Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled a new memorial yesterday to murdered PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.

The day after moving out of 10 Downing Street with his family, he attended The Hub in Mottram where the PCs were slain to unveil a memorial stone in their honour.

It was erected by the Police Memorial Trust, formed in 1984 by the late film producer Michael Winner and now run by his widow Geraldine.

PC Hughes, from Diggle, and PC Bone, from Sale, were murdered on September 18, 2012, by Dale Cregan when they responded to what they believed was a routine burglary call in Hattersley but was a deadly trap. He shot the two officers repeatedly before throwing a grenade at them and running away.

The ceremony was also attended by Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, the families of both officers and their police colleagues together with the local MP and other dignitaries.

PC Hughes' father Bryn said: "It was really, really humbling. It was fantastic. It reminded us what we have all been through."

The late Michael Winner wrote: "I founded the Police Memorial Trust because it seemed unfair to me that there were memorials to other services who fight and die on our behalf, soldiers, sailors and airman, but there were none for the police. They fight another war that has no beginning and no end and war has its fatalities.''

Mrs Winner agreed to take on Chairmanship of the Trust after Michael Winner's death. She said: "I am proud to continue in the very worthwhile work Michael started. It is a sad reality that there will always be the need for such memorials to our courageous police men and women."

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 these two brave officers will never be forgotten, but this memorial will act as a permanent reminder of the enormous sacrifice they made.