THE devastating deaths of 22 innocent victims at Manchester Arena sent shockwaves across Warrington.

In the aftermath of the terror attack, the town has united in grief to remember those who lost their lives including former Warrington police officer Elaine McIver who risked her life on a daily basis to protect the people of Cheshire.

The 43-year-old is just one of the 22 victims who never returned home after visiting Manchester Arena last Monday, May 22.

The police officer was with her partner Paul Price, 49, to pick up his 13-year-old daughter and a friend at the Ariana Grande concert. 

As the couple waited for the two concert goers, an explosive device was detonated killing Elaine and leaving Paul fighting for his life. 

He remains in hospital unconscious. 

Paul’s daughter and her friend spent some time desperately searching for the couple before a kind-hearted taxi driver drove them home. 

“Elaine was one-of-a-kind and had an impact on so many lives,” said her family in a joint statement shortly after her death.

“She was a friend to so many and an amazing daughter, sister and aunt. 

“Her love for all was immense and she was like the glue that held us all together. 

“Our lives have been enriched by the time that we have had with her, but they will never now be the same again. 

“We try to take comfort from how fortunate we have been to have had her in our lives, rather than think how much of a void there will be now that she has gone.”

The 43-year-old joined Cheshire Constabulary as a special 20 years ago and became a regular officer in September 1998.

She worked in Ellesmere Port, Warrington and in the economic crime unit at headquarters in Winsford before moving to the regional organised crime unit TITAN in 2013.

The couple’s love story began when the couple were introduced through one of Elaine’s work colleagues.

Elaine and Paul, who bonded over their love of music and regularly attended concerts at the Manchester Arena, had been living together in Frodsham but were looking forward to moving to their new home in Widnes.

“She absolutely adored him and he rapidly became the love of her life,” added her family.

“They were making many plans for their future life together and seemed so incredibly well suited. 

“Her family and friends could all see how amazingly happy Paul had made Elaine to a new level not seen before. 

“We were devastated to hear of the injuries that Paul has sustained and we will be supporting him and his family through this difficult time. 

“He is a big part of our family too and always will be.” 

Paul remains in hospital where he is unaware of the death of the love of his life Elaine.

Dad-of-two Paul suffered a broken leg, shrapnel injuries over his body and burns to his head and face.

His heartbroken dad John Price, 79, said his son was in a ‘very dark place’ after a difficult divorce before Elaine came into his life ‘like an angel’.

John said: “Paul is under sedation and we dread the moment he finds out Elaine didn’t survive. He doesn’t know she is gone yet.

“We are devastated beyond belief. It is just like a bad dream.

“When Paul met Elaine it seemed too good to be true. Now we dread the future.”

Elaine’s big heart is just one of the many touching attributes her family will never be able to forget.

Three weeks before her death, the police officer turned up at the home of her retired parents to surprise them with an evening at a Leo Sayer concert.

“This was typical of the kind and thoughtful acts that Elaine would do for all her friends and family,” said her family.

“Little did we know at the time that this would be the last outing that they would all have had together as a family.” 

Elaine’s family have issued a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their kind wishes and support.

Her sister Lynda said: “I just wanted to convey mine and the family’s sincerest thanks to all of you.

“You will never know how much you are helping us through this nightmare.

“I am mindful that we aren’t the only ones who are suffering but Elaine would want us all to sip up our man suits and get on with it.

“Anyone who saw us together will know that Elaine and I were a formidable force when we were together, we absolutely bounced off each other in such a special way that made us both feel complete.

“We had an amazing and fantastic sisterly bond that will continue as long as I am breathing until I join her one day when we carry on our mischief together, wherever that may be.

“Keep smiling through the tears and stay strong everyone.”

A number of children died in the explosion including eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos.

Thousands of pounds has also been raised in memory of Elaine in aid of Cancer Research UK.

To donate click here.