Our London Bridge heroes to receive prestigious honours

HERO officers who tackled terrorists during the London Bridge attack have been awarded the George Medal for gallantry.

Met PC Charlie Guenigault and British Transport Police PC Wayne Marques are to receive the honour – one of the highest that can be given.

British Transport Police Officer PC Leon McLeod is to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

The officers risked their lives protecting members of the public during last year’s horrific terrorist attack at London Bridge.

PC Guenigault was off duty at the time of the attack and went to the aid of PC Marques who had already been set upon by the terrorists.

He used his bare hands to fight the gang but received several knife wounds in the melee which left him in a critical condition.

PC Marques only had a baton to protect himself and he too was stabbed multiple times.

His BTP colleague PC McLeod was stabbed in the eye and thigh after he gave chase to the knife-wielding killers.

Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh said; “The incredible courage of PC Guenigault has today been recognised as he receives this illustrious and prestigious award.

“In the finest traditions of British Policing, Charlie ran towards the danger that night and his only thought was the protection of members of the public.

“He was outnumbered, off duty and unarmed and yet he still tackled the terrorists – it was an amazing act of bravery and we are so immensely proud of him for his actions. He is an absolute hero.”

British Transport Police Federation Chairman Nigel Goodband said he couldn’t be prouder of his heroic colleagues.

“We are delighted our colleagues PC Wayne Marques and PC Leon McLeod will be honoured in this way.

“Their outstanding and unwavering bravery saved lives and helped many people caught up in what was a devastating attack,” he said.

“They put their own lives on the line to protect the people of London.

“They are true heroes and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Twenty people in total have been approved by the Queen for awards to recognise their “outstanding bravery”.