British Transport Police Officer (BTP) PC Wayne Marques who confronted three knifemen during the London Bridge terror attack, was presented with the City of London Sheriffs’ Award for Bravery at the Merchant Taylors Hall, at the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP) Annual Dinner. Pictured left to right are Chief Supt Martin Fry of BTP, Sheriff Neil Redcliffe JP, PC Wayne Marques, and Master of the WCoSP, Air Commodore Stephen Anderton.
On the evening of Saturday, June 3, while on duty PC Wayne Marques, hearing the screams of a woman outside the railway station went towards the scene. As passers-by tended to a man suffering from multiple stab wounds and amidst scenes of panic and confusion along Borough High Street, PC Marques, without thought for his own safety, charged the three attackers.
Equipped only with a standard issue expandable baton to defend himself, he engaged all three attackers who turned on him brandishing eight and 10-inch knives and were dressed in what were later found to be fake explosive vests. PC Marques fought until he lost consciousness as a result of injuries – stab wounds to his head, hands, hip and legs.
The City of London Sheriffs decided that PC Marques, a probationary officer who had been working for less than two years with the British Transport Police, was undoubtedly worthy of their award which recognises outstanding acts of bravery by individuals across the UK. PC Marques demonstrated a remarkable degree of bravery and an outstanding selflessness. The actions he took whilst seriously endangering his own life unquestionably prevented others from being injured or killed.
About the Bravery Award
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, 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. After rigorous review of all nominations by Company representatives and the Sheriffs of the City of London, it was agreed that the award should be presented to PC Wayne Marques.
The Sheriffs’ Award is launched annually in February. As in previous years, the Company received a substantial number of high quality nominations. PC Marques will receive a cheque for £2,500 and his name will be inscribed on an Honours Board and placed in a Book of Honour, both of which are on permanent display within the Central Criminal Court, (The Old Bailey). This award is open to nominations from the general public, the business community, emergency services and the armed forces.
