City stands still for Pc's funeral (From Witney Gazette)

City stands still for Pc's funeral

10:03am Thursday 4th October 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Police officers and the public turned out in force 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, 32.

It was the second consecutive day that Deansgate had come to a standstill following Wednesday's service for her fallen colleague Pc Nicola Hughes, 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 18.

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.

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 Greater Manchester Police'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.

As the funeral cortege arrived at the cathedral spontaneous applause rang out and a lone Scottish bagpiper played a mournful lament.

A large portrait photo of Pc Bone was carried into the cathedral, followed by her coffin, draped in black cloth and carried by six of her police colleagues.

Pc Bone's parents, Paul and June, sister Vicky, partner Clare and daughter Jessie led remaining mourners into the church for the start of the service. Again, hundreds of police and public gathered outside at the rear of the cathedral to stand in silence listening to the service relayed on loud speakers.