Brave cops who were first on scene at Manchester terror attack honoured in special ceremony
THEY were the men and women who rushed towards danger when a bomb blast ripped through crowds leaving the Manchester Arena.
And now the officers who valiantly responded to the terror attack have been recognised for their bravery on the night that shocked Britain.
Among them was police community support officer Jon Morrey, who was on patrol when the bomb exploded on the night of May 22 last year, killing 22.
The officer ran towards the danger - and was at the scene helping those injured in just one minute,
The officer described the scenes as "horrible and shocking", saying: "I remember there was glass everywhere and shrapnel and people crying out for help.
"I helped all the people I helped to the best I can. I’m glad that I could help them."
Other officers recognised included PC Jessica Bullough, PCSO Mark Renshaw and PCSO Lewis Brown, who were the first to arrive at the scene.
The commendation ceremony, hosted at the Town Hall by the City of Manchester's Lord Mayor, was an opportunity to remember the bomb that shocked Britain - and the heroes who ran to help.
BTP Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “For many of us, May 22 will be a date that will forever be etched in our minds.
"Our thoughts continue to be with every person who was affected on that horrendous night, or who lost loved ones."
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He added: "This ceremony gave us an opportunity to remember those 22 people who lost their lives and all the lives changed that night.
"It also gave us a chance to formally recognise those who ran towards scenes of danger, despite unknown danger to themselves, to help and protect the many innocent people who found themselves caught up in the attack.
"We are incredibly proud and extremely grateful for the heroic actions of all those commended here today."