Two rookie police women shot dead in Bradford (service, Zen)

[michel]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_obje...name_page.html
19 November 2005
ROOKIE WPC SHOT DEAD
Robbery victim had been cop for only 8 WEEKS
By Lucy Thornton

AN unarmed policewoman shot dead by hoodie raiders yesterday had been in the force for only a few months.

A second WPC who seriously wounded in the shoulder us also believed to be a probiationer.

The two brave officers, both in their 30s, were blasted by three thugs after they answered an alarm call from a travel agent's in Bradford

A horrified witness said: "These guys ran into the shop to rob it. When the women officers confronted them, they shot them and ran off."

As the hunt got under way, police chief David Crompton said: "These officers were just doing their job."

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THE rookie WPc murdered by hoodie raiders yesterday died from a single bullet despite wearing body armour, it was revealed last night.

Several shots were fired at her fellow woman officer, who was also wearing protective gear. She is in hospital "traumatised" with a serious injury to her shoulder.

Last night police insisted the two women were unaware an armed robbery was in progress when they went to the scene. They were alerted after a personal attack alarm was activated.

Vowing to track down the killers, West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton said: "We've lost a valued and loved colleague. Another is seriously hurt.

"They were just doing their jobs, trying to help and protect people. We'll follow every lead and ensure no matter how long it takes we'll bring those responsible to justice."

The dead WPC - in her 30s and believed to have been based at Eccleshill, in North Bradford - joined the force only months ago.

Her injured colleague, also in her 30s, has served less than two years.

Last night No 10 said Tony Blair was "shocked and saddened".

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said: "My sincere sympathies go to the officers' families. The thoughts of the nation are with them."

The two women officers dashed to the Universal Express Travel Agents in Morley Street, Bradford, at 3.30pm yesterday.

As they arrived three raiders who had reportedly assaulted staff ran from the shop, just two minutes from the city police station.

Hunt leader Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan told a press conference: "One shot was fired which fatally hit one of the officers. Several other shots were fired, one hitting the second officer, resulting in serious injuries."

A businessman who saw one of the women lying on the street said: "I could see in her face she was suffering. It was terrible."

Property developer Amir Khan, 24, was in a restaurant yards from the scene. He said: "I heard shouting and saw people running up and down the road. An Asian lad told me three guys had charged into a travel agent to rob it. When two women police officers confronted them, they shot them and ran off."

Mr Khan saw one of the WPcs lying on the ground with members of the public trying to revive her.

He said: "They were pressing on her chest and giving her the kiss of life. Moments later, ambulances and police flooded the area."

Another eyewitness said: "I was walking to the shop when I heard the sound of shots. I turned round and saw two guys with hooded tops. They ran out of the shop, across the road and down a side street."

A local takeaway owner said: "A young officer was lying on the floor outside the travel agent's door. Other officers were helping her. Armed police came and told us to stay inside and not leave."

Roads were closed and dozens of armed officers patrolled the cordoned off crime zone. Helicopters hunting the gunmen circled overhead.

The travel agency, believed to be owned by popular Pakistani Mohammed Yousef, has been robbed once before by armed raiders.

Businessmen claim there could have been thousands of pounds in the shop which offers a service transferring cash to friends and relatives in Pakistan.

The shootings happened close to Bradford's famous Alhambra Theatre and the National Museum of Film TV and Photography.

It is a popular area for students. Shops, restaurants, takeaways and taxi firms near the travel agency shut down after the tragedy.

Last night floral tributes sent in "deepest sympathy" were placed outside Bradford north divisional headquarters, where the press conference was held.

[Scuba Pete]

That's so disgusting. I hope they catch the perps!