Sherriffs’ Award

British Transport Police Officer PC Wayne Marques, who confronted three knife-wielding terrorists during the London Bridge Attacks, consequently, suffering severe life-changing injuries, is awarded the City of London Sheriffs’ Award for Bravery.

The Sheriffs’ Award was introduced shortly after the 2007 London tube and bus bombings to recognise outstanding acts of bravery by individuals from across the UK. Every year since then, the Sheriffs have sought nominations for individuals who have, without thought for their own safety, acted to confront danger in a selfless and inspirational way.

On the evening of Saturday 3rd June 2017, three terrorists drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and then engaged in a knife attack on revelers enjoying the night- time economy in Borough Market. Eight people were killed and a further 48 injured.

Heroic actions

British Transport Police Officer PC Wayne Marques was on duty in uniform at London Bridge Railway Station.  PC Marques is a probationary officer with less than two years’ police service with British Transport Police. PC Marques heard a woman screaming outside the railway station, went towards the screams and saw people running along Borough High Street. He saw a man who was suffering from stab wounds being tended to by members of the public and then saw three attackers stabbing other members of the public with 8 to 10-inch-long knives. Equipped only with a standard issue expandable baton, PC Marques charged the attackers whilst they were stabbing yet another victim and began fighting for his life with all three. As a result, he was stabbed in the head causing bleeding which impaired his vision and received more stab wounds to his head, hands, hip and legs. He continued fighting until, as a result of his injuries, he lost consciousness. Shortly after, the attackers were shot by armed police officers. PC Marques was conveyed to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries.

Worshipful Company of Security Professionals   www.wcosp.org