Hard-working police 'flooded with offers of free hotel rooms in central London after Westminster attack'

Kind-hearted Londoners flooded a Facebook account with offers of accommodation after it appealed for places where police could sleep during the Westminster terror attack.

With officers working around the clock after Khalid Masood knocked down scores of tourists with a car and stabbed PC Keith Palmer to death, a plea went out to find them rooms to sleep in.

A post on the Facebook page UK Cop Humor appeared on March 24, stating: “Any chance of an anonymous post asking if any central London hotels would offer a few rooms for the night for the officers having to sleep on their office floor tonight, due to finishing at 2am and starting again at 7am because of the recent horrific events.

“These officers can't get home and can't afford the prices the central London hotels are asking for.”

Within an hour the account was inundated with responses of suggestions for hotels, hostels and even people offering their own homes or cash to pay for a room.

Kerry Lafi said: “I'd happily put up some. Money towards a room. Just tell me where to send it.”

“I have a free night with hotels.com,” wrote Allan Friel-Myles. “Worth £128 I'd happily donate and even pay the balance for a night.”

Lorena Woodfine offered her flat, saying: “It's untidy as hell but I would be happy to go over and do a little tidying and leave a set of keys available now if anyone would want to use it?”

The account responded: “You're incredible to offer that. We think it's all in hand but karma owes you tonight x”

“I'll pay for a twin room,” wrote Irene Woodgate. “Have you set up a fund or bank account??”

Andy Taylor wrote: “More than happy to buy a few rooms. What's a credit card for anyway?!? PM me and I'll sort it for you.”

Richard Watts thanked followers on the page, writing: “This is very humbling, and at a time when sometimes an officer can feel like despairing, it has done much to restore my faith in humanity.

“I am in my 32 year in the Met, and work on the counter terrorism command. This has been one of the most emotionally difficult, professionally challenging weeks of my career.”

The account later that evening: “Sorted! Well done people of London.

“Genuinely, genuinely humbled by you all tonight.

“Police, non Police and other services. One great big family and you're all amazing!! Truly are.

“Thank you SO MUCH for being the best fans on the best page (obvs) on Facebook!”

The Union Jack Club in Waterloo was one of the venues that took in a number of police officers, the page claimed.