The family of a police officer killed during a terror attack in Westminster has paid tribute to 'a loving son, brother and uncle'.

Police Constable Keith Palmer has been hailed as a hero after he confronted the terrorist Khalid Masood outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, March 22. 

From today: Tributes paid to hero police officer Keith Palmer killed in Westminster terror attack

Masood, who drove his car into pedestrians along Westminster Bridge before attacking and killing PC Palmer with a knife, was shot dead by police.

PC Palmer, 48, was married with a five-year-old daugher. 

In a statement, his family said: "Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC. 

"Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous. A friend to everyone who knew him. 

"He will be deeply missed. We love him so much. 

"His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace."

PC Palmer joined the Metropolitan Police in 2001, and was based in Bromley between 2002 and 2009. 

He joined the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in Aril 2016, and before that worked in the Territorial Support Group (TSG), based in Catford but working across London. 

Keith was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner's Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.

The Met Police have confirmed that, as a mark of respect, PC Palmer's shoulder number - 4157U - will be retired and not reissued to any other officer.

PC James Aitkenhead, who worked alongside PC Palmer in the TSG, said:

"Keith was a genuinely nice person; nobody had a bad word to say about him. When I heard what had happened I knew it would be him because that's just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back.

"He had a great work ethic, he worked on our warrants' car for years, getting up at 4am to serve warrants and arresting wanted offenders. He was always so positive, always staying late after everyone else and getting in early.

"In his personal life he was a massive Charlton Athletic fan and had a season ticket.

"We will miss him so much."

Inspector Mark Turner, from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, who most recently worked with PC Palmer, said: "He really was a solid reliable member of the team - he came in and just got the job done, quietly and efficiently.

"He was a fantastic member of staff and will be sorely missed."