London terror attack police dogs honoured

Police dogs who supported emergency services during the London terror attacks at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Borough Market are being honoured for their heroic actions.

Leading vet charity PDSA will recognise seven police dogs from the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police by awarding the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – at a ceremony later this year.

Rosamund Ford, PDSA vet, said: “The actions of these incredible dogs – and their handlers – was vital in keeping the public safe and allowing the emergency services to carry out their work.  They performed their duties in a highly-charged and unfamiliar environment that no amount of training can fully prepare them for. PDSA is honoured to recognise their devotion to duty and service to society.”

In March 2017, Central London was hit by a terrorist attack that, in just 82 seconds, left five people dead, including a police officer, and 29 injured. In June the same year, a white van containing three attackers drove into 10 pedestrians on London Bridge, seriously injuring eight and killing two. After alighting the vehicle and entering Borough Market, eight people were killed and 48 people were injured.

Paul Miles, British Transport Police Inspector, said: “I am immensely proud of our dogs and their handlers, and absolutely thrilled to see their bravery and resilience recognised through this very special award. They worked through physically and emotionally challenging conditions without second thought, courageously walking into danger and putting the public’s safety before their own.

“While today is a day of celebration, the horror of 2017 will never leave us, and our thoughts will always remain with those who lost their lives and were injured in these terrible incidents.”