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Hero MP fights back tears as he recalls explaining Westminster terror attacks to young son

Tobias Ellwood rushed to help PC Keith Palmer who lost his life that dreadful day

Tobias Ellwood fought back tears on BBC Breakfast this morning as he recalled one year on from the Westminster terror attack how he tried to explain what had happened to his young son.

Speaking to hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, a clearly moved Mr Ellwood struggled to find his words as he was asked how events affected his family.

The Conservative MP was among those who ran to assist injured PC Keith Palmer – who later died from his wounds – after he was stabbed while attempting to detain knife-wielding terrorist Khalid Masood during the atrocity.

Mr Ellwood rushed to PC Keith Palmer’s aid (Credit: BBC)

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And twelve months after the shocking incident, it is clear the day’s desperately sad events still take an emotional toll on the former army captain.

“One of most the vivid images I have [from that day] is returning home after what had happened and finding my son on the top of the stairs,” the 51-year-old reflected, shortly before words failed him.

“He was in tears, and he was on his own.”

An emotional Mr Ellwood struggled to get his words out during the interview (Credit: BBC)

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Apparently unable to continue speaking, the MP for Bournemouth took a moment to compose himself before adding: “I sat next to him and he just asked: ‘Why?’

“He couldn’t understand why I had stepped forward, why somebody had been killed, why someone was wielding a knife in a place that he had visited many times.

”It’s the good people that win’ (Credit: BBC)

“And all I could offer was that there are some bad people in the world, but there are a lot more good people.

“And it’s the good people that win.”

Following these inspirational words, Charlie brought the interview to close. But on Twitter, many viewers echoed what Mr Ellwood had to say, and praised him for his bravery.

BBC Breakfast is on BBC One, weekdays from 6am.


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer

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