Elaine McIver: Off-duty police officer killed in Manchester bombing 'was glue that held family together'

An off-duty police officer killed in the Manchester suicide blast was "the glue that held us all together", her family said.

Elaine McIver, 43, was standing in the foyer of Manchester Arena with partner Paul when she was caught up in the terror attack.

They had been waiting to collect his 13-year-old daughter and her friend at the time. Her partner was seriously injured.

On Sunday, Ms McIver's grief-stricken relatives fondly remembered her vivacious nature and sense of humour, saying: "She would have wanted us all to continue to laugh, despite the tears in our eyes and pain in our hearts."

They released a trove of family photos showing the detective constable beaming alongside loved ones and from her passing out ceremony with Cheshire Police.

In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, they said: "She had a huge heart, was thoughtful beyond belief and would do anything for anyone."

Her death came at the start of what should of been a fresh chapter in her life.

Ms McIver had been due to move to a new home with "the love her life" in Widnes, Cheshire, with her current property up for sale.

On the night of the attack, the music-loving couple, who regularly attended concerts at the Manchester Arena, had dropped the schoolgirls at the venue, before spending the evening in the city.

As they waited to collect the pair later on, the explosion tore through the building, leaving the youngsters, who were still inside, alone and terrified.

According to Ms McIver's family, the children were "kindly" driven home by a taxi driver, having been unable to locate the adults.

In their long statement, the relatives painted a picture of a compassionate woman, capable of talking to anyone and not afraid to hide her views.

Three weeks before her death, she had a final outing with her parents, when she drove them to Harrogate, north Yorkshire, having arranged a surprise trip to a Leo Sayer concert.

"Elaine was one of a kind and had an impact on so many lives," the statement continued.

"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."

Tributes poured in for the serving officer in the wake of Monday's atrocity, including from her chief constable Simon Byrne and Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Ms McIver worked in the regional organised crime unit for Cheshire Police.

Ms Rudd previously said: "Elaine was off-duty at the time of this brutal, cowardly attack, going about her normal daily life.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and to everyone who has been affected by this horrendous act."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.