Family tributes to a caring, loving girl

PC Fiona Bone

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AN outpouring of grief across the borough has been led by the family of tragic local policewoman Nicola Hughes.

Parents Bryn and Susan, and younger brother Sam paid a heartbreaking tribute to their “caring and loving” girl, who was killed on Tuesday with 32-year-old fellow officer Fiona Bone, both shot in a hail of bullets as they attended a bogus 999 call in Hattersley.

Nicola’s family said she was as a caring and loving girl of whom they will “always be exceedingly proud”.

“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.

“When she left the house this morning she was going to the job she loved. She cared about everyone, and especially her colleagues.

“She was 23 and had the whole of her life in front of her. We can’t express how we feel today, except to say we have always been exceedingly proud of Nicola and shall miss her dreadfully.”

Nicola lived in Oldham with her mother and was a former Saddleworth School and Sixth-form College pupil. She had worked at the Bull’s Head in Delph before following her dream and becoming a police officer.

Matthew Milburn, head teacher of Saddleworth School, said: “Everyone at Saddleworth School is shocked and appalled by the news. Our thoughts go out to Nicola’s family, friends and colleagues and to the family of her colleague, Fiona Bone.

“The school works closely with Greater Manchester Police and many families have strong links with the force. This is a sad day for our school and the wider community.”

Oldham Sixth-Form College principal Jayne Clarke said: “Everyone here is extremely shocked and saddened at the news. She was a lovely, bright student with a very positive attitude to her studies. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.”


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