North East PC, free hugs & the kiss in Manchester

BLOWING a kiss to a woman giving out free hugs in Manchester, a Durham PC captures ther mood of the nation.

Durham Constabulary sent a number of officers to help out in Manchester following the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including four from the North East.

On Tuesday, one of the armed officers was

photographed making this gesture outside Manchester Town Hall. It happened as a group of women were offering free hugs to members of the public in the wake of the attack,

The black and white snap was taken by graphic designer Natalie Thornley

She told the Manchester Evening News that a group of heavily armed of ficers were walking past at the time and stopped to talk to the two women.

She went over, intending to take a picture of the officer in his armour, but instead captured the beautiful moment that he blew the women

Evening News that a a kiss.

Her photograph has received wide-spread praise and has been shared thousands of times on social media sites.

Natalie, 24, from Altrincham, Trafford, wrote on Facebook: “Probably won’t capture a moment like this again.

“Managed to get a photograph of the moment a heavily armed policeman blew a kiss to two ladies offering out free hugs.

“Really shows the spirit people in Manchester maintained tonight and the love that has spread throughout the city. Stronger together, love not hate.”

The image was also shared by Durham Constabulary on its Facebook page and attracted praise from numerous people.

Dawn Gibson said: “Amazing work, beautiful ppl in the world we live in. More good than evil.”

John Goymer wrote: “That’s a heartwarming image. Well done to that officer.”

Janet Ailsa Goldsmith added: “Fabulous image.”

And Val Bainbridge simply said: “Proud.”