Dale Cregan case: Police officer filled out own death report before killing himself

Andrew Summerscales is believed to have been one of the first officers on the scene of his murdered colleagues

Mr Summerscales son said his father's life 'changed that day' and he sank into depression and PTSD (PA)

A former police officer filled out his own death report before taking his own life after two of his colleagues were murdered by one-eyed gangster Dale Cregan, an inquest has heard.

Andrew Summerscales had "loved" being a police officer until fellow officers on his shift, his "very good friends," Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, were both murdered by Cregan.

He is believed to have been one of the first officers on the murder scene.

Cregan, who was already wanted by police for the 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.

Dale Cregan, who was already wanted by police for the double murder of a father and son, lured the officers with a bogus call before killing them in a gun and grenade attack (Greater Manchester Police)

After suffering a "relapse" in his mental health, Stockport Coroner's Court was told Mr Summerscales sent emails and text messages to friends and colleagues on 30 August telling he intended to take his own life.

He also filled out his own death report on official Greater Manchester Police paperwork found in his pocket before hanging himself in Cheetham Park, Staylbridge.

The inquest heard he was found with a body identity tag which he had also filled out by himself.

Mr Summerscales had found a member of the public who had committed suicide at the same spot while walking in the park when off duty in April 2015.

Speaking about the murders of Mr Summerscales colleagues, his son said his father's life "changed that day", and he sank into depression and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He went back to work after receiving treatment for depression but eventually left the police in November 2015 after 15 years' service.

Joanne Kearsley, Area Coroner for Manchester South, concluded that Mr Summerscales took his own life.

She added: "He had endured a number of tragedies through his life. There's no doubts the events of September 2012 affected him greatly.

"He had some help and assistance after that incident but clearly and quite understandably he struggled to continue his role as a police officer.

"I think probably he was relapsing at the time he died. I have no doubt at the time he died he was suffering a relapsing of the condition he had suffered since 2012."

Addressing his son Joshua, she added: "You should be very proud, I have no doubt he suffered a number of tragic events through his life and I'm very thankful for you giving evidence."

Cregan is serving four life sentences without parole.

Additional reporting by PA