THE FAMILY OF a Metropolitan police officer injured during the London Bridge attack have spoken about their pride in his bravery.
PC Charlie Guenigault was the off-duty officer injured during the London Bridge attack.
Three assailants were shot dead by police on Saturday as they carried out a stabbing spree in London’s Borough Market, a warren of bars and restaurants, after mowing down pedestrians as they drove a van across London Bridge.
Eight people were killed in the attack, including a Frenchman whose body was found in the River Thames on Tuesday, and 48 people were hospitalised.
PC Guenigault, 25, is an emergency response officer on Southwark borough and joined the Metropolitan Police Service on 15 August 2014 where he was posted to Peckham police station on ‘C’ team.
He is currently recovering in hospital in a stable condition.
His family said in a statement released by police today:
“We are extremely proud of Charlie who showed immense bravery on Saturday night.”
Our family has received numerous messages from friends, colleagues and people around the country sending Charlie good wishes and commending him for his actions.
We are very grateful for this and it has provided us with a lot of comfort at this difficult time.
They continued:
“Given the opportunity again, Charlie would no doubt do exactly the same if faced with the same situation; helping a fellow police officer in need and protecting the public.
“He is immensely proud to work for the Metropolitan Police Service and serving the Southwark community, and this is an example of that.
“Charlie is described by his peers as a dedicated police officer, who is a diligent, hardworking and respected member of his team.”
The family asked for privacy while PC Guenigault recovers.
Moved and overwhelmed
Meanwhile, an unnamed British Transport Police officer injured in Saturday’s attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market has issued a statement from his hospital bed.
He is still seriously unwell after receiving wounds to his head, arm and leg but said he was overwhelmed by support from the public.
He said:
“I am truly moved and overwhelmed by all the support and comments that I’ve received, not only from people in this country but across the world.”
The officer said that he was simply doing his job in attempting to tackle the assailants, who wore fake suicide bomb vests.
“Like every police officer who responded, I was simply doing my job. I didn’t expect the level of love and well wishes I have received.
“I feel like I did what any other person would have done. I want to say sorry to the families that lost their loved ones. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more and I want you to know I did everything I could.
“I am so proud of my colleagues from BTP and everyone from the other emergency services who were on shift that night and did everything they could in the face of danger. I especially want to thank the officers who saved my life and kept me alive. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.
“Saturday night changed my life, like I’m sure it has for many others. My thoughts are with the people who died in the attack, but also with those that were injured and are recovering in hospital, including the three other officers that were injured, and all the members of the public who rushed to help.”
Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “Having visited the PC in hospital a number of times and hearing first-hand the incredible account of his actions on Saturday night, I am proud that he is part of the BTP family.
“I know everyone at the force is behind him and his family as he continues his recovery.”
Police also confirmed that British national James McCullen (32) has been identified as one of the men who died during the incident.
His family said:
It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we have today been informed that our son and brother has been declared a victim of the terrorist attack on Saturday night.
We would like to send our condolences to the relatives and loved ones of all the others who lost their lives, as our thoughts are with them at this time.
We would like to thank all the members of the services who did their utmost to “serve and protect” the population of London from these deranged and deluded individuals.
While our pain will never diminish it is important for all of us to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who would try to destroy us and remember that hatred is the refuge of small minded individuals and will only breed more – this is not a course we will follow, despite our loss.
They asked for privacy.
Three more men were arrested in the British capital this morning.
Two men – aged 34 and 37 – were arrested, at separate addresses in Newham. A third – aged 33 – was arrested at an address in Waltham Forest.
All three were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism offences under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
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