An RUC policewoman shot and critically injured in an IRA sniper attack a year ago has died in hospital. RUC Reserve Constable Alice Collins (47) never returned to work after being shot while on duty outside Derry courthouse in April, 1997.
She did, however, return to uniform for one day to meet Britain's Princess Anne when she travelled to Derry to open a new police headquarters. Last month she joined able-bodied and disabled officers on a skiing trip to Austria.
She died in hospital in Belfast yesterday following a short illness. She was being treated for leukaemia.
The Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, said last night he was "deeply shocked at the tragic death of a very brave officer" who had survived a savage attack against all the odds.
"That she has now succumbed so tragically is a bitter blow that robs this community of a dedicated wife, grandmother and police officer." Ms Collins was a mother of three children.