Murder plot switched to police

A killer switched his sights from an old rival to the police and lured two policewomen to their deaths in a gun and grenade attack.

Dale Cregan (29) is accused of murdering PCs Fiona Bone and Saddleworth’s Nicola Hughes after killing his rivals, father and son David and Mark Short.

Preston Crown Court heard Cregan went on the run after organising the killings in a feud between two Manchester families.

Nicholas Clarke QC, opening the prosecution’s case, said: “By the 17th of September Dale Cregan was again carefully laying a detailed plan to murder. His target this time was not an old rival or anybody that he had a particular grievance with, but the police.

“On the 18th of September the lengthy manhunt since the unsuccessful attempt to arrest Dale Cregan reached its bloody conclusion and resulted in the deaths of the two young police officers.”

The court was told that Cregan was at a house in Mottram, Hyde. He had the gun he used to murder David Short and a hand grenade.

On the morning of September 18, Cregan made a 999 call reporting that someone had thrown a “big concrete slab” through his window. PCs Bone and Hughes arrived shortly afterwards.

“As Nicola and Fiona walked through the small front garden, he opened the front door and immediately fired,” said Mr Clarke.

“Cregan had discharged 32 bullets at the two unarmed officers. He fled before colleagues of the fatally injured officers could arrive.”

Cregan drove to Hyde police station, walked up to the counter and said: “I’m wanted by the police and I’ve just done two coppers.”

Other men are variously charged alongside Cregan with murder, attempted murder and other charges in connection with the feud and its tragic aftermath. Mohammed Ali (32), from Chadderton, is accused of assisting an offender.

The trial continues.