Two men arrested on suspicion of murder of off-duty policeman - The Times (subscription)

A police force was today mourning a "dedicated" officer who was ambushed and murdered on his way home from a night out.

PC Gareth Francis, 28, was off-duty in the early hours of the morning when he was attacked in the Edgeley area of Stockport, Greater Manchester.

He had been enjoying an evening with friends and was attacked outside a pub at about 1.20am only minutes after being dropped off by taxi. He was beaten and suffered fatal head injuries.

Senior officers described the constable as a dedicated officer. His colleagues were said to have been dealt a "terrible blow".

The force is already mourning the deaths of two police constables, Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, who were shot while attending what they believed was a routine burglary call in September last year.

Two men, one aged 20 and the other 21, both from the Stockport area, were arrested on suspicion of the murder of PC Francis and both remained in custody yesterday.

Paramedics treated PC Francis at the scene. He was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital, in Stockport, where he died shortly after arrival. A post-mortem examination was taking place to determine the cause of death.

Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes, the Stockport divisional commander, said that PC Francis joined Greater Manchester Police in 2007. His colleagues were said to be "in shock" over the news.

He said: "First and foremost I would like to pass on my condolences to both Gareth's family and his colleagues in south Manchester.

"Gareth was a dedicated police officer with six years' experience and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues.

"However, the loss will be even greater for Gareth's family and I would like to reassure them that we have a team of detectives working round-the-clock now to establish exactly what happened this morning.

"What we do know is that Gareth was dropped off by taxi in Edgeley after he and his friends enjoyed a night out in Manchester city centre.

"At some point in the next few minutes he was assaulted in the Castle Street area.

"We now have high visibility patrols in Edgeley town centre and I would urge anyone with concerns to approach officers there.

"Gareth's colleagues on the South Manchester division have been dealt a terrible blow by today's news and welfare is being provided to any members of staff affected by this tragedy."

Much of the street, which represents the commercial centre of Edgeley, remained sealed off as forensic officers carried out their work.

Witnesses said forensic workers in white overalls could be seen taking photographs around the Sir Robert Peel pub on Castle Street. A police tent was positioned outside the pub.

The area is believed to be widely covered by CCTV cameras but detectives urged any witnesses to come forward.

Ian Hopkins, the force's deputy chief constable said on twitter: "My thoughts are very much with the family and colleagues of PC Gareth Francis after the shocking news of his death."