Greater Manchester Police fall silent to remember their two colleagues who were killed in a gun and grenade attack.
Nicola Hughes, 23, who lived in Oldham with her mother Susan, had “always wanted to make a difference”, her relatives said.
Her mother, father Bryn and younger brother Sam issued a statement saying: “Nicola was our only daughter and a beautiful child. She was always happy with life and lived for her family.
“She had an infectious personality and sense of humour and was a very caring and loving girl. When she left the house… she was going to the job she loved.”
PC Hughes was killed along with colleague Fiona Bone, 32, after answering a routine burglary report in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday.
The family statement added: “Nicola always wanted to make a difference and, in doing so, she made such a big difference to everyone she knew. She cared about everyone and especially her colleagues.
“Nicola was only 23-years-old and had the whole of her life in front of her. We cannot express how we feel today except to say we have always been exceedingly proud of Nicola and always will be. She knew she was loved by us all and we shall all miss her dreadfully.”
A minute’s silence was held for the officers at 11am. Earlier a vigil took place at a church in Hyde, where candles were lit and prayers were said.
More than 2,500 messages have been left on Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP)
Natalie Kunath wrote: “As a serving police officer this is our worst fear! May you both rest in peace. My thoughts are with family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. This is a dark day for the entire police family.”
A message from Claire Davidson read: “I have known Nicola since she was a little girl, she was such a nice girl. I send all my love to both ladies’ families, friends and colleagues.”
Gail wrote: “Fiona took a statement from me when I was a victim of domestic abuse. I warmed to her straight away. She was kind and gentle and understanding.
“She put me at ease and even threw in a giggle or two, an amazing lovely woman.”
Flowers have been laid in tribute at the police cordon.
One note attached read: “Nik and Fi, You swore to protect and serve. I hope you can still do that from heaven with all the other police guardian angels.
“I will never forget you beautiful ladies. It was a pleasure to have known you and work with you. God bless, sleep tight, Emma C x x”.
GMP Federation chairman Ian Hanson said: “Our members are numb. We’ve got to get up, we’ve got to carry on, we’ve got a city to police, we’ve got thousands of incidents to deal with today.
“Police officers in Greater Manchester are exhausted by the events of yesterday, but we don’t have a choice. We’ve got to come in to work and we’ve got to go on, because that’s what our two colleagues yesterday would have expected us to do.”
Dale Cregan, 29, was arrested after going to a police station in Hyde following the shooting.
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I am so saddened by the deaths of two obvious prolific enforcement officers. Please get the scumbags who ended their lives prematurely. May these officers rest in peace. Dublin