Grief of stabbed detective's widow

Stephen Oake died during an anti-terrorism raid

The widow of Stephen Oake, the special branch detective stabbed during an anti-terrorism raid in Manchester, has said she is finding it hard to come to terms with his death.

Lesley Oake told her local newspaper that she cuddles her husband's pyjamas at night to help her cope.

Detective Constable Oake, 40, was killed during a raid on a flat in the Crumpsall area of Manchester on 14 January.

A 27-year-old man, Kamel Bourgass, has appeared in court charged with the officer's murder.

I miss Stephen so much it physically hurts. There is a huge hole left

Lesley Oake

Speaking to the Macclesfield Express newspaper, Mrs Oake said: "I cry most nights. I sleep with his pyjamas in my arms. It helps me keep him with me.

"I have received so many letters from people, such as those involved in the Potters Bar train crash.

"We are not unique... all these other people have had their lives shattered by tragedy too.

"I want them all to know that God's love has sustained us."

Normal life

Prayers written by Det Con Oake's widow and children - Christopher, 15, Becki, 14, and Corinne, 12 - moved mourners to tears at his funeral on Saturday.

This week, the couple's children returned to school as the family tried to get back to keeping a "busy" life.

But Mrs Oake revealed she was still having difficulty letting go and has left many of his possessions as they were before he died.

She said: "I miss Stephen so much it physically hurts. There is a huge hole left."