The tragic killing of police officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone in a gun and grenade attack in Manchester on September 18 has had a particular impact on the city's softball community.
Three Manchester Softball League teams – the Outlaws, who have teams in Divisions 1 and 2, and the Enforcers in Division 3 – have a core of police officers as playing members.
In addition, the Hough End Police Club is used by the league as a centre for socialising, meetings and courses, and BSF AGMs have been held there on two occasions.
Shock at the killing of two unarmed female police officers has been felt throughout the country, but a number of players in the Manchester Softball League will be mourning fallen colleagues.
The MSL, the BSF and the entire British softball community extends its sympathy and best wishes to the families, friends and colleagues of the two officers.