‘Best thief-taker` PC Palmer’s shoulder number will not be re-issued

The officer killed protecting Westminster Palace will have his shoulder number retired as tributes have been issued by colleagues and family. Police Constable Keith Palmer was fatally stabbed on Wednesday (March 22) as he tried to stop Khalid Masood, 52, from entering Parliament. As a mark of respect, the Metropolitan Police Service has announced it will not issue his shoulder number – 4157U – to any other officers. PC Palmer joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in April 2016 after serving in the Territorial Support Group. In 2015, he was nominated for ‘best thief taker’ in the Commissioner’s Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months. The 48-year-old was married and had a five-year old daughter. In a statement, his family said: “Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC. “Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous. “A friend to everyone who knew him. “He will be deeply missed. We love him so much. “His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask they are left to grieve alone in peace.” PC Palmer was one of four killed in Wednesday’s attack after Masood drove at speed down Westminster Bridge and crashed into the wall protecting Parliament. The other victims include Aysha Frade, a teacher from Spain who was on her way to pick her children up from school, and Kurt Cochran, who was visiting London from the US to celebrate his wedding anniversary. Masood was fatally shot by armed officers. PC James Aitkenhead, who worked with PC Palmer in the Territorial Support Group, described his colleague as “a genuinely nice person”. He continued: “When I heard what happened I knew it had to be him because that’s just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back. “He had a great work ethic, he worked on our warrants’ car for years, getting up at 4am to serve warrants and arresting wanted offenders. “He was always so positive, always staying late after everyone and getting in early.” Inspector Mark Turner recently worked with PC Palmer. He 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.”