IN MEMORY OF A HERO
Thousands of colleagues take to streets to remember officer stabbed to death by Westminster terrorist
An officer bows her head as police line the route by Southwark Cathedral in London during the funeral for heroic Pc Keith Palmer, 48, who was killed by extremist Khalid Masood last month as he carried out his duties on the forecourt outside Parliament.
WESTMINSTER TERROR attack victim Pc Keith Palmer was laid to rest yesterday as thousands of his fellow police officers lined the streets of the city he gave his life trying to protect.
More than 5,000 officers from the Metropolitan Police and other forces nationwide were estimated to have gathered in central London for Pc Palmer’s funeral, which took place at Southwark Cathedral.
Thousands more officers and staff at police stations across the country marked two minutes’ silence at 2pm.
Around 50 members of Pc Palmer’s family – including his wife, child, mother and father, brother and sisters – attended the cathedral service, which was followed by a private cremation.
Also present were Karl Robinson and Johnnie Jackson, the manager and captain of Pc Palmer’s beloved Charlton Athletic football club.
Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, who read the commendation and farewell, said the service had been “very moving” because of the amount of support shown on London’s streets and beyond. He said: “One of the most important things is that not everything can be put into words and words alone are not adequate in the context of friends and loved ones coming to terms with grief. But what can be done is to be there alongside them, and to pray for them.”
Members of the public and police shed tears as Pc Palmer’s hearse – topped with a floral tribute reading No 1 Daddy – passed them on its silent two-mile journey to the cathedral from the Palace of Westminster, where the 48-year-old was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood last month.
The procession, which was accompanied by mounted police officers, ended with Pc Palmer’s coffin being carried into the cathedral by some of his colleagues and friends. Hymns including I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say were followed
by a rendition of The Last Post by a bugler from the Honourable Artillery Company. Officers bowed their heads in silent contemplation as it sounded from the cathedral shortly after a recital of The
Lord’s Prayer. Two National Police
The public rightly run from danger, but Keith Palmer ran towards it. Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh speaking after the service.
Air Service helicopters also performed a flypast and aerial salute.
Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh, who attended the service, said Pc Palmer had been a “true hero”, adding that he hoped his actions would demonstrate to the public the dangers that officers face on a daily basis.
He said: “I think the public have absolutely grasped the fact he is a hero, and quite right because the public rightly run away from danger, but Keith Palmer ran towards it.
“I can’t stand there and say it won’t happen again, but I hope this shows the public what lengths officers go to on a daily basis on their behalf.”
Earlier, Pc Palmer’s name was added to the roll of honour and remembrance at the National Police Memorial during a solemn ceremony on The Mall.
Four other innocent people were killed and dozens more injured during the car and knife attack in Westminster on March 22, which ended with Masood, 52, being shot dead.