PC deaths trial starts today

KILLED . . . PC Nicola Hughes

FINAL preparations have been made for the trial of a man accused of murdering two police women in a gun and grenade attack.

Dale Cregan (29) appeared by video link at Preston Crown Court ahead of his trial, due to start today.

Police constables Nicola Hughes (23), from Diggle, and Fiona Bone (32), from Sale, were killed on the morning of September 18 as they responded to a report of a burglary in Hattersley.

Cregan has previously pleaded not guilty to murdering the two officers, and the murders of Mark Short (23) in Manchester last May and his father David three months later.

Cregan, of no fixed address, was among nine other defendants appearing by video link at Preston, one of them Mohammed Ali (23), from Chadderton, who denies assisting an offender.