The father of a police officer tragically murdered while on duty nearly 11 years ago has collected an MBE for his ongoing charity work.
On a day that will forever be devastatingly etched into the memory of Greater Manchester – 18 September 2012 – Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone were on patrol and responding to hoax reports of a burglary at Abbey Gardens in the village of Mottram in Longdendale in Tameside when they were murdered in a gun and grenade ambush.
The hoax reports were a result of a 999 emergency telephone call from a member of the public – which was later found to be the work of wanted man Dale Cregan, who had led the officers into a trap.
PC Bone was pronounced dead at the scene, and PC Hughes later died in hospital.
The horrific incident was the first in Great Britain where two female police officers were killed on duty, and their tragic deaths were met with nationwide shock and anger.
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PC Nicola Hughes / Credit: GMP
GMP’s then Chief Constable Peter Fahy called the attack “cold-blooded murder”, and then Prime Minister David Cameron described it as a “despicable act… of pure evil”, while several memorial services and moments of silence have also been held in the pair’s honour too over the years.
While the two PCs will always be remembered by the GMP community, PC Nicola Hughes’ father was determined to make sure her legacy lived on and benefitted others on a much bigger scale, and so he decided to found the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund – which works to give young people education and employment opportunities following the death of a family member through violent crime.
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For his ongoing efforts to support young people who have suffered loss due to violent crime, Bryn Hughes was recognised for his “outstanding work” and made an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list alongside hundred of other inspirational volunteers.
And yesterday, he finally collected the prestigious honour.
Mr Hughes, from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, was presented with his MBE by the Princess Royal during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday, the BBC reports, and told Anne that it was a day of “mixed emotion”.
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Speaking back when he was awarded the honour at the beginning of the year, Mr Hughes said he initially thought it was a “wind up” that he’d been recognised, but once it’d sunk in that it was real, he knew his daughter would be “very proud” of him.
“I also think she’d be laughing,” he admitted though.
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhillpic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
Some images bring back a glut of memories and emotions. There are times when it feels like we are all just a pay day away from this. Surely one of the most powerful tv performances ever.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
14th June 2023 
