Officer haunted after finding bodies of colleagues murdered by Dale Cregan is found dead in apparent suicide
Andrew Summerscales, 46, was first on the scene after twisted Cregan killed Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, in a gun and grenade attack
A FORMER policeman who found the bodies of his two colleagues murdered by one-eyed gangster Dale Cregan has been found dead in a suspected suicide.
Andrew Summerscales, 46, was first on the scene after twisted Cregan killed Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, in a gun and grenade attack.
Cregan, who was already wanted by police for a double murder of a father and son, lured the officers with a bogus call before killing them in a gun and grenade attack in Hattersley, Tameside, in September 2012.
He later took to Facebook to post photos of his two murdered colleagues with the message: "The lights of my life".
Mr Summerscales' body was found at around 7.20am on Tuesday in Cheetham Park, Stalybridge.
There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances and a file has been prepared for the coroner.
He left Greater Manchester Police last November.
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Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling of GMP said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm we received the tragic news that former GMP officer Andrew Summerscales passed away yesterday.
"Andrew left GMP from the Tameside division in November 2015 after 15 years of service and I know that many of his former colleagues hold very fond memories of him.
"On behalf of Greater Manchester Police I wish to pass on my most sincere condolences to Andrew's family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time."
Online tributes were also paid to Mr Summerscales.
On one police website a message read: "RIP PC Andy Summerscales.
"A colleague and friend to many who Policed Hyde, Tameside has passed away today in tragic circumstances.
"He was on the same shift as Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone and was one of the first Officers on the scene.
"One can only imagine the horrific images he witnessed and the immense pain he has suffered as a result.
"Today our thoughts and tears are with out G Division friend. Rest easy Andy and say hi to the girls."
GMP Neighbourhood Inspector for Radcliffe East Jim Jones tweeted: "Words can't describe what PC Andy Summerscales and his colleagues witnessed four years ago and images he's had to live with. RIP #policefamily."
Cregan was jailed for life without parole.