A man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with murdering two police officers and two men in Greater Manchester.

Dale Cregan is accused of murdering PC Fiona Bone, 32, and PC Nicola by Text-Enhance” href=”#”>Hughes, 23, in Mottram, Tameside on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old also appeared before Manchester magistrates accused of murdering David Short and his son Mark.

Another man held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder the officers has been released without charge.

Armed police surrounded Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning before Mr Cregan’s appearance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday.

Mr Cregan sat down as he was brought into the dock but got to his feet after he was asked to stand by District Judge Jonathan Taaffe.

Wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, Mr Cregan had also grown a thick beard. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Judge Taaffe then read out the eight charges the defendant faces, including that of murdering PC Bone and PC Hughes.