PC Nicola Hughes's family thank public for support

PC Nicola Hughes was shot in the attack in September

The family of police officer Nicola Hughes, who was killed while on duty, have thanked the public and the police for their "overwhelming" support.

The 23-year-old died in a gun and grenade attack along with PC Fiona Bone when they were called to a burglary in Mottram in September.

Her family said the support shown from the people of Manchester and the general public was "heart-warming."

They said it would have made PC Hughes "immensely proud".

Her mother Susan, father Bryndon, their partners Michael and Natalie, her brother Samuel and his partner Natalie and PC Hughes's boyfriend Gareth released a statement through Greater Manchester Police.

They said: "We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported our family following the death of our beloved Nicola.

"Greater Manchester Police have been extremely supportive in a sensitive and professional manner during the past four weeks and continue to be."

'Beautiful daughter'

They added: "The amount of support shown in public and towards us in private by other police forces from around the country would have made Nicola immensely proud to have been part of this extended family.

"Whilst we continue to grieve for our beautiful daughter and come to terms with our tragic loss, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has paid tributes, sent cards and flowers and messages of support or merely stood at the roadside and demonstrated dignity and respect towards Nicola.

"We continue to draw strength from the immense support demonstrated by you all."

PCs Hughes and Bone had been sent to Abbey Gardens in Mottram on 18 September to investigate what appeared to be a routine burglary report.

The unarmed officers were were shot and attacked with a grenade.

Dale Cregan, 29, has been charged with their murders and the murders of two other men.

Thousands of people lined Deansgate in Manchester city centre ahead of PC Hughes's funeral earlier this month.