London Bridge terror attack heroes among those receiving gallantry awards

A Spanish banker who died whilst confronting armed terrorists during last year's London Bridge terror attack is among those who have been honoured for their courage by the Queen.

Twenty people have been named on this year's Civilian Gallantry List, which recognises people who show outstanding bravery whilst trying to save the lives of others.

Eight awards have been given to police officers and everyday heroes who were involved during the June 2017 London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack.

Ignacio Echeverria, a 39-year-old Spanish banker, died whilst trying to defend a woman from the terrorists, armed with only his skateboard. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal, one of the highest accolades for a civilian.

PC Wayne Marques, a British Transport Police Officer, and PC Charles Guenigault, from the Metropolitan Police, also receive the George Medal.

PC Guenigault was off-duty when he saw the attack happening. Without any protection, he ran towards the armed three terrorists and confronted them, sustaining serious injuries.

"It's a very, very proud moment," said PC Guenigault. "Not just for me, I hope it's a proud moment for my family and my friends as well."

PC Marques, who was on-duty at the time of attack, took on the terrorists armed with just a baton. He too was seriously injured but caused enough of a distraction to the attackers to allow others around him to escape.

"It was pretty much a horror story that night," PC Marques told Sky News. "But as time goes on and you have time to reflect on some of the great stories, not just your own but of other people that were there and involved that night."

"For every evil that was done that night there were some fantastic stories of bravery and courage."

Australian nurse Kirsty Boden is also recognised with the Queen's Commendation For Bravery. Ms Boden was giving first aid to victims at the scene when she was fatally stabbed.

Her family said they were "very proud".

Also on the Queen's List, but not involved in the London Bridge attack, were British backpackers Thomas Jackson and Daniel Richards.

In August 2016, the two men tried to defend a fellow backpacker, Mia Ayliffe-Chung, during a knife attack. Mr Richards managed to escape but Mr Jackson died of his injuries.

Mr Jackson's family described the posthumous award as "clearly a bittersweet moment".

"We are inestimably proud and grateful that his actions in trying to protect Mia on that awful day have been recognised in this way.

"He will always be our hero."

:: FULL LIST OF AWARDS

GEORGE MEDAL

Ignacio Echeverria, civilian (posthumous)
For confronting armed terrorists to protect others at London Bridge on 3 June 2017

PC Charlie Guenigault, Metropolitan Police
For confronting armed terrorists to protect others at London Bridge on 3 June 2017

PC Wayne Marques, British Transport Police
For confronting armed terrorists to protect others at London Bridge on 3 June 2017

Paul Hassan James Zubier, civilian
For going to the assistance of a woman being attacked by a man with a knife

QUEEN'S GALLANTRY MEDAL

Stephen John Adams, civilian
Richard Arthur Guest, civilian (posthumous)
For saving a young girl from drowning

Thomas Leslie Jackson, civilian (posthumous)
Daniel Leigh Richards, civilian
For trying to save a woman attacked by a man armed with a knife

PC Leon McLeod, British Transport Police
For confronting armed terrorists to protect others at London Bridge on 3 June 2017

John Moore, civilian
For rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle

QUEEN'S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY

Theresa Cosgrove, civilian
For rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle

Kirsty Boden, civilian (posthumous)
For giving assistance to the victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack on 3 June 2017

Ellen Gauntlett, civilian
Justin Jones, civilian
For going to the assistance of an injured police officer at London Bridge on 3 June 2017

Gareth Jack Leadbetter, Border Force officer
For rescuing 20 persons from a sinking vessel

Sean Moore, civilian
For intervening in a violent altercation

Florin Morariu, civilian
For providing shelter to those escaping the London Bridge terrorist attack on 3 June 2017

David Robert Sant, Border Force officer
Lee Anthony Townsend, Border Force officer
Stuart Anthony Woodland, Border Force officer
For rescuing people from drowning in the Mediterranean Sea