Gun hero of tragedy ‘is minister’s guard’
THE hero officer who shot dead crazed terrorist Khalid Masood inside Parliament is thought to have been a senior Cabinet Minister’s personal bodyguard. Witnesses told the Mirror that the first armed men on the scene after Masood burst through the Carriage Gates and stabbed PC Keith Palmer were two “close protection officers”, believed to be working for Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, inset. Scotland Yard would not confirm the officer’s identity but certain ministers always get special security, including armoured cars, because of their sensitive roles. As a review of Parliament’s security was launched yesterday, questions were raised over why no armed police were on the gates. Labour MP Alan Johnson said: “The armed police are the second line of defence. The first line of defence, all too often, are the unarmed police, which we might need to rethink.” Fellow Labour MP Mary Creagh described the frequently opened gates as “the one weak spot” on Parliament’s otherwise fortified estate, with visitors facing airport-style scans at other entrances. Tory MP Theresa Villiers said it was “time to consider” whether all police officers at possible terror targets should carry firearms. Meanwhile Mike Pullen, a solicitor passing the scene in a taxi, said he saw a man run through the gates and attack a policeman on duty. He added: “We heard shots. The officer killed was engaged with him.”