A day on from the horrific and saddening attack at London’s Westminster, emotional tributes from celebrities and politicians have been flooding in for brave PC Keith Palmer, who tragically lost his life confronting the armed attacker. Husband and father Keith, 48, died on Wednesday afternoon while he was on duty guarding Parliament. At 14.40 on Wednesday, a single attacker drove a grey Hyundai along a pavement on Westminster Bridge, then crashed into railings outside Parliament and ran with a knife towards PC Palmer, who was unarmed. The police officer was stabbed and killed in the shocking attack, which saw four people killed and 40 injured, including the attacker, who was shot dead. On Thursday morning, another victim was named, mum-of-two Aysha Frade, 43, who is thought to have been collecting her children from school when she was killed. Police have made seven arrests in raids across Birmingham.
The Union Jack flag flies above Parliament to honour those killed in Wednesday's attack
As the terrible events sink in, the world is paying tribute to the dedicated police officer who served for 15 years as a Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection officer. Actress Sarah Lancashire took to Twitter to pay her respects, writing: “Thank you for your bravery PC Keith Palmer, you will be honoured and respected in our minds forever.” Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent also paid tribute, tweeting: “Thank you for your service PC Palmer,” and newsreader Sophie Raworth said, “The police officer who was killed was PC Keith Palmer. He was 48, a husband and father.” Yesterday, Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid posted her tribute: “My heart goes out to those hurt & affected by this awful event at Westminster. Dreadful. Upsetting.”
Flowers laid at the Metropolitan Police to remember those killed
Politicians at Westminster were in shock at the attack, with many MPs commenting on social media. Dianne Abbott MP said: “Someone we saw daily. PC Palmer died protecting Parliament, our democracy and the thousands of us that work in and visit Westminster every day.” While Andrew Smith MP wrote: “Thoughts are with the family and friends of PC Palmer and other victims. Keep calm, carry on. We will not be beaten.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan also paid tribute, tweeting: “PC Palmer was killed doing his duty – protecting our city and our democracy from those who want to destroy our way of life.”