The murder of two woman police officers is "a terrible reminder of the risks that police officers face every day to keep our communities safe", the Home Secretary said.
Theresa May said the killing of the two unarmed officers, who were attending a routine incident in Tameside, Greater Manchester, was "deeply shocking".
One of the country's most wanted men, Dale Cregan, handed himself in to a police station soon after the incident this morning.
May said: "This is a deeply shocking incident and a terrible reminder of the risks that police officers face every day to keep our communities safe.
May said the attacks were a reminder of the sacrifice police officers give to keep the UK safe
"My thoughts are with the families of the officers and their colleagues at Greater Manchester Police."
Ash Rathband, whose police officer father David was shot and blinded by gun maniac Raoul Moat, called for police to be armed after today's murder.
Pc Rathband was found hanging at his home in Blyth, Northumberland, in February, having been blasted in July 2010 while on duty, sitting unarmed in a traffic patrol car.
Dale Cregan handed himself into police after the attack
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "This is tragic and deeply distressing news.
"This is a painful demonstration of how police officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the public.
"We should pay tribute to the bravery of the two officers today who have given so much in their work to keep us safe, and our thoughts are also with their friends and colleagues in Greater Manchester Police. This is a tragedy that will be felt throughout the country."
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