Westminster attack: Terror lead`s `thanks` to round-the-clock MPS staff as two officers still seriously injured

Two of the three officers that were injured in the terror attack on Westminster Bridge remain in hospital suffering “very significant injuries”, the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) counter-terrorism lead has confirmed. And one of the officers – Police Constable Kris Aves – is reportedly to have sustained “life-changing” injuries. The 35-year-old was walking along the bridge with PCs Roger Smith and Bradley Bryant when they were struck by a speeding 4×4 Hyundai driven by Westminster attacker Khalid Masood. The officers, who were returning from a commendation ceremony at the MPS headquarters in New Scotland Yard, were thought to have been unaware of the approaching vehicle as it “came out of nowhere”, according to eye witnesses. PC Aves underwent eight hours of emergency surgery but his sister, Nikki Tapener, confirmed his life “is not in danger”. PC Smith is also understood to have suffered significant injuries and had operations on his leg, while PC Bryant was discharged from hospital following treatment for more minor injuries. Speaking outside Scotland Yard on Friday morning (March 24), Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: “Two of our officers who were injured on Westminster Bridge in the attack also remain in hospital, and also have sustained very significant injuries.” He added: “We would like to thank our officers and staff who continue to work around the clock while investigating this atrocity and continuing to keep the city safe. “From the staff picking up the calls responding in our control centres, through to those officers guarding iconic buildings, and of course officers patrolling the streets in the city centre and in every borough across London.”