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The family of a Greater Manchester Police officer shot dead in the line of duty has paid tribute to her.
PC Nicola Hughes, aged 23, and her colleague PC Fiona Bone, 33, were killed during a routine response to a burglary report at Abbey Gardens in Hattersley shortly before 11am on Tuesday 18th September.
Nicola, who lived in Oldham, leaves behind her mother, Susan, father, Bryn and younger brother Sam.
She joined the force in 2009, serving for more than three years in the Tameside division.
Her family said in tribute: "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 and was a very caring and loving girl. When she left the house this morning she was going to the job she loved.
"Nicola always wanted to make a difference and, in doing so, she made such a big difference to everyone she knew. She cared about everyone and especially her colleagues.
"Nicola was only 23 years old and had the whole of her life in front of her.
"We cannot express how we feel today except to say we have always been exceedingly proud of Nicola and always will be. She knew she was loved by us all and we shall all miss her dreadfully."
Members of the public wishing to rest flowers in tribute to the fallen officers is asked to leave them at Mottram Court House, Jackson Street, Mottram. An online book of condolences has already attracted several thousand messages.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "Without doubt yesterday was the hardest and most upsetting day of my career.
"The impact of yesterday’s events will be felt by the force, residents of Greater Manchester and most importantly Nicola and Fiona's family, friends and colleagues for many, many years, such was the regard in which they were held.
"I hope, like me, Nicola and Fiona's family find some comfort in the many thousand messages of condolence and support that we have received.
"The reaction has been overwhelming and I want to publicly thank those who have taken time out to pay tribute to Fiona and Nicola and pass on their kind words of support, love and condolence.
"Two hard working and brave young women did not go home to their loved ones as a result of a calculated and malicious plan.
"We are determined to bring each and every person involved in this incident to justice.
"If anyone has any information about what happened yesterday morning or in the lead up to it they must do the right and just thing and contact us in absolute confidence."
In the wake of the incident, 29-year-old Dale Cregan was arrested on suspicion of murdering the officers after turning himself into a Hyde police station.
Cregan was wanted in connection with the murders of David and Mark Short, and is also being held in relation to their deaths.
