Medal for murdered terror officer

Colleagues had campaigned for Det Con Oake's bravery to be recognised

A police officer who was murdered as he tried to restrain a suspected terrorist has been awarded a posthumous medal.

Det Con Stephen Oake's receipt of the Queen's Gallantry Medal follows calls from former colleagues and politicians for his bravery to be recognised.

The 40-year-old was stabbed to death by Kamel Bourgass at a flat in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003.

A Home Office committee rejected calls to award the George Cross to Mr Oake, from Poynton, Cheshire, in 2006.

The Queen's Gallantry Medal is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order and recognises selfless, brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or the arrest of dangerous criminals.

In a statement, the officer's wife Lesley greeted the award as "great news".

'Public support'

"Both myself and the children, and indeed the wider family, are delighted to learn of the news that our much-loved Steve has been honoured in this way.

"Steve's actions on that fateful day in January 2003 were typical of a man who was committed to his job and to his colleagues.

"We are extremely proud that his sacrificial act of bravery has resulted in this prestigious award.

"We accept this award not only on behalf of Steve but in recognition too, of the bravery of the many officers that were involved on that day."

Bourgass was jailed for life for the officer's murder

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable, Peter Fahy, said the whole force was pleased that Mr Oake's bravery had been recognised.

"The public of Greater Manchester and his colleagues have always supported Stephen being given an award to recognise the great sacrifice he made as part of the national effort against the threat of terrorism."

Bourgass was wanted by police after they had discovered evidence of an explosives plot at a flat in Wood Green, north London, in 2002.

Mr Oake was part of a team called to the property in Crumpsall and was stabbed as he tried to stop Bourgass getting away.

The Algerian national was sentenced to life in prison on 29 June 2004 for the murder of Mr Oake and the attempted murder of three other GMP officers.