POLICE and family have paid tribute to the Cheshire policewoman who is known to be one of the 22 victims killed in the Manchester Arena Bombing on Monday.
Elaine McIver, aged 43, who had previously worked in Warrington, died, while her partner Paul is understood to be in a critical condition. The couples two children were also injured in the blast.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne and Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner paid tribute today after it emerged a serving Cheshire Police officer is known to be one of the 22 who died at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to speak about the loss of a serving officer of ours in the Manchester Arena terrorist incident and all our thoughts are with her family at this time.
“Detective Constable Elaine McIver, 43, joined the Constabulary as a special 20 years ago and became a regular officer in September 1998.
“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 & 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.”
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.
“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.
