Give London Bridge police heroes the George Cross
PM urged to honour pair who fought jihadi knifemen
A CAMPAIGN was gathering pace last night to award the George Cross to two policemen who tackled knife-wielding jihadists during the London Bridge terror attack.
Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation, led calls for PC Wayne Marques and PC Charlie Guenigault to be given the highest gallantry award available for their exceptional courage that saved ‘many’ lives.
Senior police sources said the Prime Minister, who has vowed to clean up the honours system, should intervene to ensure the officers receive the George Cross.
The pair suffered horrific injuries when they confronted three terrorists wearing fake suicide vests who had murdered eight and injured 48 in June. PC Marques, 38, was armed only with his baton when he confronted the men, who stabbed him repeatedly near London Bridge.
The British Transport Police officer was temporarily blinded when he was wounded above his right eye and also suffered significant injuries to his head. Despite his wounds, he continued to fight – even with a knife sticking out of his leg. Meanwhile, off-duty emergency response officer PC Guenigault, 25, of the Metropolitan Police, was drinking with friends when the terrorists smashed their van into a nearby restaurant.
Instead of fleeing, he ran towards the attackers to protect others as they lashed out with 12in kitchen knives. He received stab wounds to his head, leg, back and stomach, and had to undergo a three-hour operation to remove his spleen.
The jihadists were eventually shot dead by armed police. Mr White said: ‘Charlie and Wayne deserve huge public recognition for the selfless bravery they demonstrated on that awful night.
‘There can be no better illustration of the deep-rooted sense of duty held by those who swear to keep the Queen’s peace.
‘They ran towards danger, despite the odds they faced, and through their selfless acts of bravery, saved many lives while putting their own at risk and showed how the threat from terrorists will never win. They deserve the highest recognition from a grateful nation.’
The men, who are still recovering from their injuries, were guests at the recent annual dinner of the Association of Ex-CID Officers of the Metropolitan Police.
To a rousing ovation, former Met chief superintendent Sue Hill announced that the pair had won the Association’s Bravest Officers of the Year award, saying: ‘Your courage is humbling, we’re proud of you.’