Force flies flag at half-mast for its two slain colleagues (From Worcester News)

Force flies flag at half-mast for its two slain colleagues

11:20am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

WEST Mercia Police officers have been paying their respects to the memories of two colleagues from another force shot dead in the line of duty in Manchester.

The force which polices Worcestershire lowered its force flag at its headquarters in Hindlip to half-mast on Tuesday and did so again yesterday.

It was on Tuesday when news broke of two female police officers gunned down in the Mottram area of the city as they attended what appeared to be a routine call-out to a suspected burglary.

The killings have shocked the nation, and ignited a debate in some sections of the media about whether officers should be armed, and over whether the death penalty should be re-introduced for those who kill police officers.

Meanwhile, a man has been arrested and remains in custody on suspicion of murder. West Mercia held a service of prayer and reflection at Hindlip church at 11am yesterday for colleagues to reflect on the sacrifice of fellow officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, serving with Greater Manchester Police.