Yahoo News 'He saved my life': Tributes paid to murdered Pc Keith Palmer after Westminster attack
The police officer who was stabbed to death by a terrorist had previously saved a colleague’s life after she was in a car crash while on duty, it has been revealed.
Pc Keith Palmer, who worked with the Metropolitan Police for 15 years, was last night named as the officer who was murdered in the terror attack at Westminster around 2.30pm on Wednesday.
Pc Palmer, who worked with the Metropolitan Police for 15 years, was last night named as the officer who was murdered as he tried to stop the attacker entering Westminster around 2.30pm on WednesdayCredit: Metropolitan Police
He is one of three people killed by the terrorist. Aysha Frade, a mother who was believed to be on her way to pick her children up from school, and a man in his 50s, who has not been named, also died, while at least seven people remain in critical condition.
Friends and colleagues have since paid tribute to Pc Palmer, with one woman telling LBC on Thursday morning that the “wonderful” man had previously saved her life.
Giving her name only as Nina, she told the radio station: “He actually did save my life in a car accident on duty when I was a police officer in 2007.
“I was the passenger and he was one of the police officers who actually helped save my life.
“I owe him everything. He was a wonderful dad and wonderful husband to his wife. He was fun, he was a laugh, he cared.”
Her poignant tribute came after acting deputy commissioner Mark Rowley confirmed Pc Palmer, a father-of-two who was a member of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Squad, had sadly died, despite the efforts of paramedics and Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood to save him.
Speaking outside Scotland Yard after the attack on Wednesday, he said: “Today in Westminster we saw tragic events unfold and our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, those who were injured and all those affected by this attack.
"One of those who died today was a police officer, Pc Keith Palmer, a member of our parliamentary and diplomatic protection command. Keith, aged 48, had 15 years' service and was a husband and father.
How the Westminster attack unfolded
"He was someone who left for work today expecting to return home at the end of his shift, and he had every right to expect that would happen.”
The bravery of the officer was later hailed by colleagues, friends and the many MPs whom he was charged with protecting.
Conservative MP James Cleverly, a former colleague, was one of many who paid tribute to the "lovely man" he had known for a quarter of a century.
He wrote of the 48-year-old father and husband: "I've known Keith for 25 years. We served together in the Royal Artillery before he became a copper.
"A lovely man, a friend. I'm heartbroken. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Pc Keith Palmer. A brave man."
The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers from the force, said: "Pc Keith Palmer. Our brave Met Police colleague who today made the ultimate sacrifice #LestWeForget"
A chorus of thanks also came from politicians on all sides of the House.
Home Affairs Select Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper, who was in the Palace of Westminster when the terrorist burst through the gates, said: "Thank you Pc Keith Palmer - to your bravery many others owe their lives and safety"
Labour MP Barry Gardiner was also caught up in the lockdown and posted a picture of armed police moving through Parliament.
Westminster terror attack shooting in pictures
He tweeted: "Going to bed alive, safe and well thanks to Pc Keith Palmer. God bless him, his family and all those killed or injured. Terror will not win."
Geoffrey Cox, Conservative MP, wrote: "Deeply sad that a brave PC, Keith Palmer, died in the service of his country, doing his duty today. We should be proud to know such men."
MP Chi Onwurah tweeted: "As I left Parliament a police officer apologised for keeping us waiting. Cannot overstate courage & grace of those who protect us. Thank you."
