Airport hero rejects 'fake' claim

John Smeaton was awarded a gallantry medal by the Queen

Glasgow Airport hero John Smeaton has hit back at claims he exaggerated his role in helping to foil the alleged terror attack on the terminal building.

Mr Smeaton was branded "a fake" by one of the other men who helped tackle suspects from a burning Jeep which crashed into the airport last June.

The 31-year-old former baggage handler won worldwide acclaim for his actions.

However, Alex McIlveen is reported to have told a Sunday newspaper Mr Smeaton was "not telling the whole truth".

Public record

"When it came to tackling the bombers, he didn't land a blow," Mr McIlveen said.

"Let's not kid ourselves here. The only reason John Smeaton got so much attention is because of what he said afterwards about Glasgow not tolerating terrorists."

Mr McIlveen, who tore a tendon in his foot while kicking a suspect, added: "He has turned the whole of the Glasgow bombing attempt into the John Smeaton show."

Mr Smeaton, from Erskine, Renfrewshire, said he was saddened that others had changed their story.

He denied that he had sought out fame.

They all should be recognised for their efforts and behaviour instead of debating who did the most John Smeaton

"It's very sad that after all this time some individuals who have been on public record acknowledging what happened should now choose to see things differently," Mr Smeaton said.

"I'm confident and relaxed about the situation.

"I have never felt worthy of any praise that has been given to me however, if others want to acknowledge your involvement there's very little you can do other than try and graciously accept their kindness.

"It is a strange world when some people try and blow out your candle to make their own grow brighter."

Mr Smeaton stressed that he had long wanted the others who helped to be honoured.

'Everyday superhero'

"There were several lads who helped on that day," he added.

"As I've said over and over again they all should be recognised for their efforts and behaviour instead of debating who did the most.

"It should not be turned into a competition."

Earlier this month Mr Smeaton was presented with the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

He has met Prime Minister Gordon Brown four times, and was publicly congratulated by him at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.

At the start of December, he travelled to New York to receive an Everyday Superhero award from TV news channel CNN.

Michael Kerr, Stephen Clarkson and Alex McIlveen were honoured alongside Mr Smeaton at the Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.