KEITH Palmer, the police officer killed in the Westminster terror attack, was “every inch a hero,” Theresa May insisted as tributes poured in from his family, colleagues and MPs.
Nigel Evans, the former Deputy Speaker, suggested a memorial should be erected in PC Palmer’s honour while his Conservative colleague, James Cleverley, an old Army comrade of the fallen policeman, suggested to the Prime Minister a posthumous honour should be considered. She told him it would be.
Mrs May was one of the first people to sign a book of condolence at Westminster for PC Palmer. She told MPs: “His actions will never be forgotten.”
Well-wishers have already donated more than £100,000 online for the family of the murdered police officer.
His family led the tributes to the 48-year-old, saying how he was a "wonderful dad and husband, a loving son, brother and uncle," who would be "deeply missed",
They explained how the long-time supporter of Charlton FC had been "dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous".
They said he was “a friend to everyone who knew him,” and added: "He will be deeply missed. We love him so much. His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace."
During Commons exchanges following the PM’s statement, Mr Cleverley became emotional and choked his words.
Paying tribute to the man he had met 25 years ago when he was Gunner Palmer as a member of the Battery 100 Regiment, Royal Artillery, the Essex MP said: "He was a strong, professional public servant and it was a delight to meet him again only a few months after being elected."
PC Palmer joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in April 2016, having previously worked in the Territorial Support Group[TSG].
PC James Aitkenhead, who worked alongside him in the TSG, praised his former colleague as a "genuinely nice person," for whom "nobody had a bad word to say".
He said: "When I heard what had happened I knew it would be him because that's just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back."
The police officer said PC Palmer had a "great work ethic,” was always positive, “always staying late after everyone else and getting in early" and added: "We will miss him so much."
Inspector Mark Turner, from the Protection Command, who most recently worked with PC Palmer, said: "He really was a solid reliable member of the team; he came in and just got the job done, quietly and efficiently. He was a fantastic member of staff and will be sorely missed."
The Metropolitan Police said that PC Palmer's shoulder number - 4157U - would be retired and not reissued to any other officer.
Officers from his former team laid a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives on Wednesday.
They paid their respects outside New Scotland Yard as PC Palmer's family tribute was read out. The officers then placed the wreath outside the police headquarters in central London and stood silently in reflection.
Meantime, Charlton Athletic said: "Keith was a familiar face at The Valley to many supporters and sat in his same East Stand seat for many years.
"As an immediate tribute, a red and white scarf has been placed on his seat which will remain until the next home game on Tuesday April 4, while the club will discuss ways in which it can commemorate his life at the game itself.
"Keith was a true hero, who will be greatly missed by all the Charlton family and everyone at the club would like to offer their sincere condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time," it added.
During an emotional chapel service in the House of Commons poignant tributes were paid to the murdered policeman.
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