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Memorial unveiled to honour Pc Keith Palmer killed in Westminster terror attack

A national memorial has been unveiled in London today as a tribute to a police officer who was killed during the Westminster terror attack.

The memorial was placed outside the Palace of Westminster as a permanent tribute to Pc Keith Palmer.

Prime Minister Theresa May hosted the ceremony as Mr Palmer’s family and close friends were presented with the tribute, made in Portland stone and slate.

It was then moved to its permanent home outside the Carriage Gates at the Palace of Westminster, close to where Pc Palmer was murdered on March 22 2017.

The ceremony was also attended by friends and colleagues from the Metropolitan Police and Parliament.

Stabbed to death: PC Keith Palmer was helping to guard Parliament when he was attacked by extremist Khalid Masood (pckeithpalmer1409)
Stabbed to death: PC Keith Palmer was helping to guard Parliament when he was attacked by extremist Khalid Masood (pckeithpalmer1409)

Mr Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood, who stormed the gates near Parliament having mown down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

He was posthumously awarded the George Medal, the second highest award for gallantry “not in the face of the enemy”.

The memorial stone was commissioned by the Police Memorial Trust and installed at Carriage Gates after special approval was granted to place the stone at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pc Keith Palmer's memorial service. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Pc Keith Palmer's memorial service. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A separate memorial plaque was also installed within the Palace of Westminster in New Palace Yard near to the place where Mr Palmer confronted his attacker.

Mrs Michael Winner, Chair of the Police Memorial Trust said: “There is no doubt that Keith’s bravery made him a true hero. His actions personified the service, courage and sacrifice the ordinary British Bobbies give to the people our country every single day.

“Nothing will ever ease the pain his wife, daughter and family feel but we hope our memorial will show them that their loved, Keith Palmer, will never be forgotten.”

Tributes for PC Keith Palmer(Getty Images)
Tributes for PC Keith Palmer(Getty Images)

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, said: "I know that I speak on behalf of all of my officers and staff when I say how immensely proud we all are of PC Keith Palmer and this memorial will ensure that his actions will forever be remembered.

"PC Palmer was an outstanding police officer. He acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament.

“He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions and this memorial is a fitting and lasting tribute to the tremendous bravery he showed on that terrible day."

John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, and The Lord Fowler, Lord Speaker, said: “PC Keith Palmer was nothing short of a hero in the way he ran towards danger to ensure the safety of us all on 22 March 2017.

“He paid the ultimate price for doing the job he loved – and we owe him a profound debt of gratitude for his bravery.”