When PC Yvonne Fletcher was shot outside the Libyan Embassy in April 1984 the country was shocked to the core. It was shocking not only because it was the death of a woman police constable but also because it was a shooting of a police officer.

When a hail of bullets and grenades in a Manchester suburb mowed down two young police officers yesterday the shock waves that travelled through society were as intense as those 28 years ago.

The closest any of us are likely to get to this type of evil act is through the media. This is entirely due to the bravery of our policemen and women who protect us by night and day.

The thoughts of every decent person will be with the families, friends and colleagues of the two officers.

Rest in peace, Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.

Baldock Bard