THE man accused of the murder of Special Branch officer Stephen Oake has been remanded in custody after appearing at a high security court sitting.

Kamel Bourgass, 27, who also faces charges of attempting to murder four other Greater Manchester police officers, is to appear at the Old Bailey on January 27.

The man, who was arrested after the incident during an anti-terrorism raid on Tuesday, appeared in the dock in a white forensic suit, with his hands cuffed behind his back and flanked by seven police in body armour during the top security hearing before Bow Street Magistrates, sitting in the courts complex at Belmarsh Prison in south east London.

A Book of Condolence has been placed in the reception of Chester House, Greater Manchester Police Headquarters, Boyer Street, (Off Talbot Road), Stretford for those members of the public who wish to convey their own messages of condolence. The reception is accessible 24 hours.

An on-line Book of Condolence has also been made available on the GMP website www.gmp.police.uk/memorial

Sympathy cards and donations for the Oake family are welcome and should be addressed to:

The Stephen Oake Fund, c/o Sandra Latta, GMP Headquarters, Room 901, Chester House, Boyer Street, Manchester, M16 0RE.