London Bridge: 'Hero' kitchen porter who fought attacker pictured
Kitchen worker Lukasz and others who helped tackle Usman Khan are reportedly in line for police bravery medals.
Wednesday 4 December 2019 22:12, UK
Pictures have emerged of the man who helped tackle the London Bridge terrorist moments after he fought off the attacker, amid reports he is set to be awarded a police bravery medal.
Kitchen worker Lukasz has been hailed a hero for trying to stop Usman Khan's deadly rampage despite having being stabbed five times.
The Polish national, who was working at Fishmongers' Hall where Khan launched his attack, said he "acted instinctively" after using a pole to fight off the terrorist along with several other members of the public.
Photographs taken on the day of the attack - which left two people dead and three others injured before Khan was shot dead by police - show Lukasz wrapped in a foil blanket as he is led away from the scene by an emergency service worker.
In a statement issued by police, he described how he and several other people tried to stop Khan attacking people inside Fishmongers' Hall.
"I did this using a pole I found. Someone else was holding a narwhal tusk," he said.
"The man attacked me, after which he left the building. A number of us followed him out but I stopped at the bollards of the bridge.
"I had been stabbed and was later taken to hospital to be treated. I am thankful that I have now been able to return home.
"When the attack happened, I acted instinctively. I am now coming to terms with the whole traumatic incident and would like the space to do this in privacy, with the support of my family."
At least 10 members of the public were involved in battling Khan and they are reportedly in line for national police bravery medals under plans being considered by Home Office ministers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on , , ,
Officials believe the medals could be a way of recognising the role of convicted murderer James Ford, who was among those who helped tackle Khan, a source told the Daily Telegraph.
Ford admitted murdering a woman with the mental age of a 15-year-old in 2004 and would not be allowed into Buckingham Palace to receive any award from the Queen such as the George Cross, the highest civilian honour for bravery.
On Wednesday, inquests were opened into the deaths of the two University of Cambridge graduates killed in the attack.
Jack Merritt, 25, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones were stabbed to death during a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmongers' Hall.
Mr Merritt was working as a co-ordinator at the event, while Ms Jones was a volunteer.
Both victims died after being stabbed in the chest, the inquest heard.
Ms Jones was pronounced dead at the hall at 2.25pm, while Mr Merritt died in nearby William Street at 3.14pm having been moved on a stretcher by police.