Dale Cregan charged with murders of women PCs

Cregan was also charged with the murders of father and son David and Mark Short in separate incidents earlier in the year, according to Nazir Afzal of the Crown Prosecution Service.

In addition, Cregan faces three charges of attempted murder.

The deaths of PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone during a bogus burglary call in Hattersley, Greater manchester, on Tuesday shocked the nation and has elicited an outpouring of sympathy across the country.

Tragic events

Mr Afzal said: “The tragic events this week, in which Police Constables Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes lost their lives int he line of duty, have shocked and appalled the whole country.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathies to their families, friends, and to all their colleagues in Greater Manchester police on their very sad loss.

“I have today authorised the police to charge 29-year-old Dale Cregan with their murders and with the murders of Mark Short, who was killed at the Cotton Tree Inn in Droylsden on 25 May, and David Short, who was killed at his home in Clayton on 10 August.

“Cregan has also been charged with the attempted murders of Michael Belcher, Ryan Pridding and John Short on 25 May, and Sharon Hark on 10 August.

“We will appear in custody at Manchester city magistrates’ court tomorrow.”

“The CPS and Greater Manchester police are absolutely determined to deliver justice for those who have been killed and for their families, and we will continue working closely djuring the ongoing investigations into these deaths.

“May I remind all concerned that, as Dale Cregan has now been charged with criminal offences, it is very important that nothing is said or reported which could prejudice that trial and jeopardise the course of justice in this case.

“For these reasons I am not able to comment further about the case at this time.”