Northamptonshire Police are lowering all their flags to half mast following the deaths of two police officers in Manchester today.
Chief Constable Adrian Lee has asked for all police flags to be lowered out of respect to colleagues.
Two unarmed female police officers were killed earlier today while attending a “routine incident” which led to the arrest of one of the country’s most wanted men.
Dale Cregan gave himself up to police soon after the incident in Hattersley, said Greater Manchester Police.
Cregan, 29, was being hunted in connection with separate gun and grenade attacks that killed a father and son.
One of the officers died at the scene. The second was critically injured and died afterwards.
Several officers from across Northamptonshire Police have paid tribute to the victims via social networking site Twitter.
Aaron Griffiths said: “Those who think badly of the Police - today is a reminder that despite mistakes sometimes being made - every single officer puts on their uniform and does their upmost to protect the public. And there is always a risk they might pay the ultimate sacrifice.”
PC Baker said: “Tragic news of the two officers killed in Manchester. My thoughts go to their family, friends and colleagues. They paid the ultimate sacrifice for doing a job that no doubt they loved.”
Elliot Foskett said: “Just heard the terrible news. My thoughts are with the Officer’s families and all their colleagues in GMP. So sad.”
CSI Bishop added: “Thoughts go out to family and friends of #GMP officers. Another incident which highlights the dangers we face everyday.”
Will Corlett said: “Thoughts with the family and friends of the WPC killed on the line of duty today in Manchester.”
Meanwhile, colleagues of the officers involved in the Manchester shootings said their deaths had hit the force hard.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “A long and dark shadow has been cast across Greater Manchester and my thoughts are with the officers’ family, friends and colleagues. We will be doing everything we can to support them over the coming days and weeks.”
Cregan had been the subject of a huge manhunt after the murders of David Short, 46, and his 23-year-old son Mark.
Police said the two officers had been attending an incident at Abbey Gardens in Hattersley, Tameside, shortly before 11am today. The force did not give any details of the incident but described it as “routine”. Police said there were reports that shots were fired and the two officers suffered serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “This is a heartbreaking time for the officers’ families and colleagues and our thoughts are with them.
“This is a tragic day for the whole force and we are currently piecing together exactly what happened this morning.”
He added: “I understand that the community will be fearful as they hear news of what has happened this morning. We have armed officers patrolling the area and we will aim to keep people updated as much as we can.”