Tributes have been paid to an off-duty female Cheshire police officer killed in the Manchester terrorist attack who was originally from Ellesmere Port.

Elaine McIver, who worked as an officer for Cheshire Constabulary, had been at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester arena with her partner Paul.

Paul was also injured in the blast which killed 22 people and caused dozens of casualties.

The Chronicle understands Elaine grew up in Ellesmere Port.

She had not been living there recently but still has family in the town.

It is not known where she was most recently based as a police officer although she has worked as a detective for the economic crime unit at force headquarters in Winsford.

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Police arrange flowers that were laid in St. Annes Square in remembrance of those who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena terror attack

A statement issued by Greater Manchester Police on behalf of the family today said: “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.

“Although we will all miss her beyond belief, we absolutely know she will live in our hearts forever.”

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Cllr Nicole Meardon, the newly appointed mayor of Ellesmere Port, last night addressed a vigil in Civic Square, Ellesmere Port, which showed solidarity with Manchester and brought people together including families and young people who were at the fateful concert.

She appeared to reference the tragedy now impacting on the police officer’s Ellesmere Port family when she told those gathered: “I know that sadly we have lost people from Ellesmere Port and I’m sure that you will be with them, supporting them and our solidarity will be clear.

“It’s so important we are there for each other and one another at such a sad time.”

Cllr Meardon was standing alongside her husband, Justin Madders, the Labour candidate who is seeking re-election.

Ellesmere Port vigil to remember the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb attack, Civic Square (Wednesday, May 24). People from Ellesmere Port gathered to sign a book of condolence. Picture by Sallie Ehlen

The councillor told The Chronicle she was unwilling to discuss the details of those coming to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one. But she explained that many of those present, including young people, had been at the concert and were ‘visibly upset’.

She said: “People from Ellesmere Port saw and were helping out in the aftermath of it all and will be traumatised by that experience.”

The mayor added: “It was just fantastic to see the town come together and I think it’s brilliant Ellesmere Port has such a strong community and does come together at times like this.”