Hero cop Keith Palmer who died defending Parliament in Westminster terror attack gets posthumous police honour
The officer who was stabbed to death by sick terrorist Khalid Masood was named the winner of the outstanding bravery of the year prize at the Met Excellence Awards
HERO cop Keith Palmer who died defending Parliament in the Westminster terror attack has been given a posthumous bravery award.
The 48-year-old officer who was stabbed to death by sick terrorist Khalid Masood was named the winner of the outstanding bravery of the year prize at the Met Excellence Awards.
Last March he came face to face with the attacker who was armed with two large knifes when he broke into the Palace of Westminster's gates.
Moments earlier the twisted killer had ploughed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.
Brave Dad PC Palmer had been in the Met for 16 years, and died at the scene.
Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, who was also honoured at the London ceremony, tried desperately to save his life but to no avail.
The ex-soldier gave him mouth-to-mouth and tried to stem the blood flow, but PC Palmer's injuries were too great.
He said today: "We never expect to hear shots fired in Parliament, in the mother of all democracies.
"PC Keith Palmer gave the ultimate sacrifice and we in Parliament are forever indebted for that sacrifice."
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And Home Secretary Amber Rudd added: "It is absolutely fitting that Pc Palmer and the outstanding bravery he showed have been honoured in this way.
"He paid the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out his duties and I am deeply grateful for his commitment to protect our country and its people."
Last year the hero cop was given a George Medal in the Queen's civilian gallantry list.