Police officers and the public turned out in force again today for the funeral of a second policewoman killed in a gun and grenade attack.
The main thoroughfare in Manchester city centre was lined with several thousand officers from across the UK and members of the public to see the passing cortege of Fiona Bone, aged 32.
It was the second consecutive day that Deansgate had come to a standstill following yesterday’s service for her fallen colleague Pc Nicola Hughes, aged 23.
The officers died together in the line of duty after being lured to their deaths when they responded to a reported burglary at a house in Hattersley, Tameside, on September 18th.
Pc Bone lived in Sale, Greater Manchester, with her partner Clare Curran, with whom she was planning a civil partnership, and Clare’s daughter Jessie.
She was said to be “so happy” in life, planning their wedding and on the day she died had spoken to Miss Curran to discuss invites to send to guests.
The officer’s family, who live on the Isle of Man, paid tribute to “a wonderful daughter, sister, partner and parent”.
Senior representatives from all 43 forces in England and Wales joined Pc Bone’s family and friends and her colleagues from Tameside division among the 1,000 mourners inside Manchester Cathedral.
The cortege was led by six horses from GMP’s mounted unit followed by the hearse, bearing the coffin, which was shrouded in black cloth. On top of the coffin was Pc Bone’s hat and gloves.
Officers and the public all bowed their heads as the cortege passed and ripples of applause broke out along the route.
PA