So full of life, Elaine was planning to get married
‘My heart is broken’
THE family of the off-duty police officer murdered in the Manchester bombing last night paid tribute to her ‘effervescent’ personality and said she was ‘thoughtful beyond belief’.
Relatives of Detective Constable Elaine McIver, 43 – affectionately known as Lainey – said she would not want people to be cowed by fear of the terrorists who killed her.
It came as Miss McIver’s neighbours revealed she may have been planning to marry her partner, Paul, who was critically injured in the atrocity and remained in hospital last night.
A friend said he was sedated and had a broken leg and shrapnel injuries. It is understood his two children from a previous relationship were also hurt.
Miss McIver’s family said: ‘Elaine was a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie, friend and colleague – the best we could ever have wished for.
‘She was everyone’s friend, thoughtful beyond belief, with an effervescent and outgoing personality. She would have been devastated by the injuries sustained by her partner Paul, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
‘Elaine just loved life, and had a major love of music. Despite what has happened to her, she would want us all to carry on regardless and not be frightened by fear tactics; instead she regularly urged us all to rise up against it. Although we will all miss her beyond belief, we absolutely know she will live in our hearts for ever.’
It is understood Miss McIver joined the force 20 years ago as a police community support officer, before becoming a regular officer in September 1998.
She worked in Cheshire police’s economic crime unit at its headquarters in Winsford, before moving to the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Titan, in 2013.
Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: ‘Friends who knew her well have described her as big-hearted, bubbly and a positive person. We are supporting her family at this very difficult time, and will be providing support for friends and colleagues from the constabulary as we come to terms with the loss of an officer in such tragic and heart-rending circumstances. We will not let evil win.’
Neighbours of Miss McIver told the Daily Mail that she was a ‘lovely woman,’ who always had time for a chat and a wave. They said she was a keen gardener and revealed that when she put her house in the Cheshire market town of Frodsham up for sale earlier this year they assumed it was because she and Paul were about to tie the knot.
Colin Randall, 60, said: ‘She was a lovely woman. She loved her garden and was often out cutting the grass.’ He added: ‘I watched the news unfold on TV and to realise it was actually my neighbour who was one of the victims is heart-breaking.’
His brother Keith, 54, added: ‘It’s so sad. She was lovely. She always had time for a chat.’
Miss McIver’s parents, Frank and Patricia, were too upset to comment last night. Her niece, Nicole McIver, 22, posted on Facebook: ‘Forever with me and in my heart, so proud to call you my Aunty Lainey.’
Sister Sami, 23, wrote: ‘My heart is broken but I’m so blessed to be your niece. Aunty Lainey, I will love you forever.’
Several of Miss McIver’s colleagues changed their profile pictures on social media to a thin blue line in tribute. One wrote: ‘Genuinely lovely, really did brighten the whole atmosphere at work – a tragic loss.’