BTP officers honoured for heroic actions during London Bridge terrorist attack

 

PC’s Leon McLeod and Wayne Marques

Two BTP officers have been recognised by the Queen for their heroic actions during the London Bridge attack last year, it has been announced today in the Civilian Gallantry List: 2018.

PC Leon McLeod has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, and PC Wayne Marques the George Medal.

On 3 June 2017, three terrorists carried out an attack on members of the public at London Bridge, resulting in eight people being killed. PC Wayne Marques was seriously injured as he ran towards the attackers and confronted them, armed only with his baton. His colleague, PC Leon McLeod, was with PC Marques that night. He ran after the attackers and gave vital first aid to injured people, helping to carry people to safety despite the danger to himself.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther, said: “I was delighted to hear the news that PC Marques and PC McLeod are to be honoured for their incredible actions during those terrible events in June last year. It really signifies the regard in which we all hold them for their actions that night. Last year was a year that was incredibly difficult for many BTP officers and staff up and down the country and I’m incredibly grateful for all they did during those difficult times. While today is a day of acknowledgment and celebration for Wayne and Leon, of course, our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives or were injured in all of those terrible incidents. But very well done to Wayne and Leon.”

PC Wayne Marques, said: “It is unbelievable to be awarded with the George Medal, I am truly speechless. When I think back to the night of the attack, I was just doing my job and trying to save lives – I never expected to be honoured in this way. I remember the events of that night vividly, the evil that was done but also the courage and bravery of the public and my colleagues. I am here today because of my friends who helped me, I’d cannot thank them enough.”

PC Leon McLeod, said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this honour – I was in complete shock when I opened the letter. As police officers, you never know what to expect on your shift. When me and Wayne heard the screams at London Bridge, our first instinct was to run and help. We never thought we were being brave, all we wanted to do is help as many people as possible. It feels surreal and bittersweet to be honoured following the horror of this attack. So many people acted with courage, I was just one piece in London’s response to this atrocity.”

From left, PC Leon McLeod, PC Wayne Marques and PC Charles Guenigault were recognised for their response to the attack.

PC McLeod and PC Marques have been honoured alongside PC Charlie Guenigault from the Metropolitan Police Service, who was also injured during the London Bridge terrorist attack. PC  Guenigault was off-duty at the time but rushed to help PC Marques when he saw what was happening and was stabbed repeatedly. He praised the efforts of Ellen Gauntlett and Justin Jones, who helped him and took him to hospital, and have been recognised with the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. “I can’t thank them enough for what they did,” he said.

 

(See the full Citations here)

See the Honours, Decorations & Medals page.

 

Sources:

BTP website

BBC News

Civilian Gallantry List: 2018