Police pay tribute to officer killed by bomb
AN off-duty police officer killed in the Manchester bombing was given a guard of honour by colleagues at her funeral yesterday.
Detective Constable Elaine McIver, 43, was standing in the Manchester Arena foyer with partner Paul Price when the terrorist struck.
The couple had been waiting to collect his 13-year-old daughter after the Ariana Grande concert. Mr Price, 49, was seriously injured.
Ms McIver’s coffin arrived at Chester cathedral in a horse-drawn carriage, flanked by two police horses. It was met by a uniformed guard of honour formed of officers who had either joined the force or served with her.
People lined the streets and applauded as the coffin, draped in a Cheshire Constabulary flag and with a police hat on top, was carried inside.
In the carriage with the coffin was a floral tribute from Greater Manchester Police with the message: “We may not have known you, but you will forever be in the hearts and thoughts of all at Greater Manchester Police and the people of Manchester.”
Mourners, many wearing bright colours and floral patterns, arrived in two yellow double decker buses with the message “We love Manchester” on the front.
Speaking after the private service, Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne said he was moved by the applause from the public.
He said: “I think it was a lovely touch and probably a mark of appreciation not just for Elaine but the wider police service at the moment, given some of the awful events we have had to wrestle with in other parts of the country.”
In a statement, Ms McIver’s family said: “The last six weeks have been our worst nightmare. Paul continues to improve physically but it is a long road ahead.”