Officers paid tribute to PC Fiona Bone, 32, and PC Nicola Hughes (right), 26, at Sandringham today

Hundreds of police officers paid a moving tribute today to two female officers murdered in Manchester before taking part in a 10-mile run around the Royal Estate at Sandringham.

A minute's applause before the race at Sandringham for PC Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes. Picture; Matthew Usher.

More than 520 runners representing 44 police forces took part in the Police Sports UK run in aid of COPS, a charity which helps support families of officers who have been killed in the line of duty, and the Princes Trust.

Before starting the charity run, the runners took part in a minute’s round of applause to pay tribute to fallen police officers Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

The two died in a gun and grenade attack as they responded to a bogus report of a burglary last week. Superintendent Bryan Lawton, from Greater Manchester Police, thanked officers from across the country for their show of support at yesterday’s event.

Mr Lawton, who led a team of eight officers from the force, said: “Obviously as colleagues of the officers who were killed back in Manchester we’re proud to come down here and represent Greater Manchester Police.

“We’re very grateful for the organisers for paying a tribute to our fallen colleagues and giving us an opportunity to raise money for the Cops charity in this way.

“Most of the people in this event today will be thinking about their two fallen colleagues as they run, particularly the Manchester officers because it’s a very sad time for us.”