MP who tried to save PC Keith Palmer's life in Westminster terror says public should 'step forward' during attacks

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An MP who tried to save PC Keith Palmer’s life after the Westminster attack has said members of the public should “step forward” during terrorist atrocities. “I find myself countering that somewhat, because if more of us do step forward as we saw in the Manchester attack, London Bridge and Westminster Bridge as well, the message gets through that no terrorist is going to win.” Mr Ellwood said he would have been behind Masood as he launched the attack if he had taken his usual route to parliament. “They were shouting, ‘go, go, go, go’ and ‘go back, go back’,” he said “I was concerned about what would happen if things were to ratchet up, but my immediate concern was that we had somebody who was clearly badly bleeding and needed assistance.” The minister described seeing several armed police officer pointing their weapons towards Carriage Gates and two men on the ground – PC Palmer and Masood. Becoming emotional as he recalled medics opening PC Palmer’s chest to perform emergency surgery, he said: “Forgive me, it’s sometimes easier to do the helping rather than to talk about it afterwards.” open image in gallery Former soldier Tobias Ellwood, now a defence minister, is widely respected among police for his attempts to help PC Keith Palmer When it became clear that the officer would not survive, Mr Ellwood told a doctor present: “You’re going to have to order me to stop.” “Sir, you’ve done your best but you do need to stop,” the medic replied.