A POLICE officer stabbed and killed by a terrorist has received a posthumous award in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Pc Keith Palmer, who served with the Metropolitan Police, has received the George Medal for bravery in the Queen’s civilian gallantry list after his heroic response during the Westminster terror attack on March 22.

Braintree MP James Cleverly, who served with Pc Palmer in the Royal Artillery and knew him for 25 years, spoke in the House of Commons the next day and called for the officer to be honoured after his actions during the attack.

He said: “I’m obviously very pleased it’s happened and pleased the Government was able to move quickly to make sure it did happen and so I think it’s fitting and appropriate.

“He was a lovely guy, it’s one of those inevitable things you say. He was incredibly hard working and focused. He was recognised by the police for his hard work.

“He made 150 arrests in one year. He was a very personable, approachable, funny but professional soldier, which was when I knew him, and police officer later on.

“He was just everything you would hope and expect for in an officer.”

On the day of the attack Pc Palmer, a husband and father, was on duty at the Palace of Westminster.

The 48-year-old officer came face to face with Masood, who was armed with two large knives, moments after the terrorist, 52, drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.

Pc Palmer confronted the attacker and was fatally wounded during the attack, which ended when Masood was shot dead by armed officers.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Two minutes silence at Colchester Police Station with flag at half mast.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the officer paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions.

She said: "Keith acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament.

"We continue to grieve the loss of a much-loved and respected colleague and friend while supporting his family through this truly difficult time.

"I know that I speak on behalf of all of my officers and staff when I say how immensely proud we all are that Pc Palmer is to receive posthumously the George Medal for bravery.”

Pc Palmer's gallantry list citation says his actions provided time for other officers to react and stop the assailant.

It said: "Pc Palmer's bravery and professionalism unquestionably saved lives. Pc Palmer did his duty. He stood his ground and placed himself between Parliament and a terrorist determined to harm those within.

"In doing so he made the ultimate sacrifice."

Pc Palmer had served on the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group since 2016 and had been with the Met for 16 years.