THE heartbroken family of a serving officer at Cheshire Constabulary who was killed when a bomb exploded at the Manchester Arena have paid tribute to the policewoman who was 'thoughtful beyond belief'.

Elaine McIver, who previously worked in Warrington, died following a bomb blast at the pop concert of US singer Ariana Grande on Monday.

In a statement released today, Thursday, her family said: "Elaine was a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie, friend and colleague, the best we could ever have wished for. 

"She was everyone's friend, thoughtful beyond belief with an effervescent and outgoing personality. 

"She would have been devastated by the injuries sustained by her partner Paul, and we all wish him a speedy recovery. 

"Elaine just loved life, and had a major love of music.

"Despite what has happened to her, she would want us all to carry on regardless and not be frightened by fear tactics, instead she regularly urged us all to rise up against it. 

"Although we will all miss her beyond belief, we absolutely know she will live in our hearts forever." 

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.

Chief constable Simon Byrne and Cheshire's police and crime commissioner also paid tribute to the officer with a 'big heart'.

Mr Byrne said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to speak about the loss of a serving officer of ours in the Manchester Arena terrorist incident and all our thoughts are with her family at this time.

“Friends who knew her well have described her as big hearted, bubbly and a positive person. 

"We are supporting her family at this very difficult time, and will be providing support for friends and colleagues from the constabulary as we come to terms with the loss of an officer in such tragic and heart-rending circumstances.

"We will not let evil win.”

Mr Keane added: “Our thoughts are with Elaine’s family, friends and colleagues.

"I know this is an extremely difficult time and that great sadness has been felt across the constabulary and the wider community - from colleagues and friends in Cheshire to her current team at TITAN.

“We will be doing everything we can to support Elaine’s family and our officers and staff. It is at moments like this that we must remain unified and strong.”

It is understood a small memorial service was held at the force's HQ in Winsford yesterday, Wednesday, in memory of the female officer.

National newspapers have reported how her husband remains in a critical condition in hospital while the couple's children were also injured.

Police have so far confirmed 22 people were killed in the attack in the heart of Manchester at 10.30pm including the officer who was off-duty at the time.

The suspected suicide bomber has since been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi from Manchester.

Eight people have been arrested so far as the investigation continues into the terror attack.

Chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Hopkins said: "As regards the full ongoing investigation we currently have eight people who have been arrested in connection with Monday’s attack. They are all men.

"A woman who was arrested yesterday has since been released. The arrests have taken place in Manchester, Wigan and Nuneaton.

"We are now carrying out associated searches at a number of addresses.

"These have been an intense three days for the officers and staff of Greater Manchester Police, along with the National Counter Terrorist Policing Network and UK intelligence services.

"I want to reassure people that the arrests that we have made are significant, and initial searches of premises have revealed items that we believe are very important to the investigation."

Chief constable for Cheshire Constabulary Simon Byrne has released more information about how the force will continue to police the county in the coming days and weeks.