First picture of off-duty police officer killed in Manchester terror attack

Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer
Greater Manchester Police
Chloe Chaplain25 May 2017

The off-duty police officer killed in the Manchester terror attack was named today as her family said she would not want people to be "frightened by fear tactics."

Elaine McIver, 43, was killed in the blast on Tuesday night. Her husband is fighting for life in hospital and her two children were injured.

In a statement, her family said "she would want us all to carry on regardless and not be frightened by fear tactics".

The statement read: "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.

Manchester Arena explosion

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"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 forever."

Fellow police officers from around the country have been posting tributes to Ms McIver since news of her death broke.

One tribute said: "Thank you for your service PC Elaine McIver, thoughts are with family and @cheshirepolice colleagues, so heartbreaking #Manchester."

And the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales wrote: "Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of DC Elaine McIver and her colleagues at @CheshirePolice: We are thinking of you all."

Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne said Ms McIver was a detective constable who joined the force 20 years ago, becoming a regular officer in September 1998.

He said: "Elaine worked in Ellesmere Port, Warrington and in the economic crime unit at headquarters in Winsford before moving to the regional organised crime unit, Titan, in 2013.

"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."

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane said: "Our thoughts are with Elaine's family, friends and colleagues. I know this is an extremely difficult time and that great sadness has been felt across the constabulary and the wider community - from colleagues and friends in Cheshire to her current team at Titan.

"We will be doing everything we can to support Elaine's family and our officers and staff. It is at moments like this that we must remain unified and strong."

Teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, and Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 are the latest confirmed victims of the attack in Manchester
PA

The announcement of her death comes after teenage couple Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 were named among victims.

Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14 was also confirmed to have been killed in the attack today.

A total of 22 people were killed - and a further 120 injured - after the suicide bomb attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

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