Westminster terror attack: 'Celebration turned to tragedy' for PC with 'significant' injuries
Kristofer Aves had been commended at a ceremony shortly before he and other officers were knocked down on Westminster Bridge.
Saturday 25 March 2017 06:26, UK
The family of a police officer left with significant injuries following the Westminster terror attack have described how a celebratory day "ended in tragedy".
Earlier in the day, Kristofer Aves had gone to work "full of pride" ahead of receiving a commendation for his work as a family liaison officer.
He was returning from the event with colleagues when they were hit by terrorist Khalid Masood's hire car on Westminster Bridge.
Two other officers, Roger Smith and Bradley Bryant, were also injured in the atrocity, which saw Masood go on to stab another PC, Keith Palmer, to death in the grounds of the Houses of Parliament.
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In a statement issued through the Metropolitan Police, PC Aves' family said they would remain by his side as he continues treatment for "significant injuries".
"Kris went to work on Wednesday full of pride as he was receiving a commendation for his exceptional work as a police liaison officer during a demonstration in 2016," they said.
"What started as a celebratory day, ended in tragedy. Kris is now being treated in hospital, and as a family we remain at his bedside.
"We thank his colleagues and the public who have sent us messages of support."
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PC Smith, in his early 50s, is said to be in a stable condition following an operation on a leg injury, while PC Bryant suffered minor injuries and has reportedly been released from hospital.
PC Palmer, 48, died from injuries he sustained when he confronted Masood as he tried to get into the Palace of Westminster a few moments later.
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Three civilians also died after Masood, a Muslim convert born Adrian Russell Ajao, drove the car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.
as teacher Aysha Frade, who was on her way to pick up her children from school; US tourist Kurt Cochran, who was celebrating his Silver wedding anniversary; and 75-year-old Leslie Rhodes from Clapham, south London.
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The investigation into the attack is focusing on whether Masood, who used encrypted instant messaging service just before his deadly attack, acted alone.