POLICE officers who served alongside detective constable Elaine McIver formed a guard of honour as loved ones bid a final farewell to the 43-year-old today, Friday.

The serving detective constable at Cheshire Police was killed in the Manchester terror attack earlier this year.

Elaine, who was off duty at the time, never returned home after visiting Manchester Arena on Monday, May 22, to pick up her partner Paul Price's 13-year-old daughter and a friend from an 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 now faces a long road to recovery.

A total of 22 people were killed following the blast which left many more injured.

Her family have since called for action 'around how we deal with terrorist suspects' while describing the past six weeks as their 'worst nightmare'. 

"I am trying not think about how Elaine died for today, but it will be difficult," said a member of her family in a joint statement.

"Your kindness is always welcome but if you feel sorry for us, please don't. 

"All the sorrow in the world won't bring our loved ones back. 

"I urge everyone to use the energy from their sorrow to campaign and lobby for changes in legislation around how we deal with terrorist suspects. 

Northwich Guardian:

"Twenty-two people died in this atrocity on May 22.

"Twenty-two people were arrested and subsequently released. The perpetrator was 22 years old and previously known about by our authorities. 

"I would like to see changes brought about so that we have more resources and more powers to ensure that any suspects are dealt with effectively and are not allowed back onto our streets to wreak the havoc and devastation they are causing.

"But today we concentrate on celebrating Elaine's life and the kind and wonderful person she was."

A horse-drawn carriage arrived at Chester Cathedral flanked by two police horses where they were greeted by uniformed pallbearers and a uniformed guard of honour,  which included chief constable Simon Byrne, at around 1.45pm.

The service started at 2pm with words of welcome from Rev Gordon McPhate, Dean of Chester.

Hymns included Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer and Praise, My Soul, King of Heaven.

DI Karen Jaundrill from Cheshire Police also paid tribute during the service.

Any donations collected at the funeral will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Some mourners arrived at the service in two yellow double decker buses with the message 'We Love MCR' on display.

Members of the public also lined the streets in the centre of Chester to pay their respects.

An impromptu applause could be heard as the white coffin, which was draped in a Cheshire Constabulary flag and with a police hat on top, was carried in.

Loved ones dressed in colourful clothing to remember the officer, who served in Warrington. 

The town's chief inspector Sarah Pengelly joined the guard of honour and police and crime commissioner for Cheshire David Keane was also in attendance.

To read her family's touching tribute following her death click here.