The father of a police officer killed restraining a terror suspect says he is delighted his son has finally been recognised for his bravery.
Det Con Stephen Oake, 40, was stabbed to death at a house in Crumpsall, Manchester in January 2003.
He has now now been awarded a Queen's Gallantry Medal after a long campaign by his colleagues.
His father Robin, formerly Isle of Man Chief Constable, said news of the medal was a "wonderful surprise".
Det Con Stephen Oake was repeatedly knifed by Kamel Bourgass as he held on to the terror suspect during the operation to stop him escaping.
Despite a formal application from Greater Manchester Police, 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.
"Certainly we wanted justice to be done but I pray for the killer every single morning which confirms to me that I have wholly forgiven him"
"It's a wonderful occasion," said Robin Oake.
"Although we hadn't fought as a family by any means to seek any redress of the rejection of the George Cross, I can tell you that Lesley [Mr Oake's widow] and our grandchildren are absolutely thrilled to know this has happened."
Mr Oake said his daughter-in-law "jumped for joy" when she was told the news and said she would also be accepting the medal on behalf of her husband's other colleagues on the raid.
Her husband's fellow officers have campaigned for six years for recognition for their fallen colleague, and presented an 8,000-name petition to Downing Street.
Mr Oake said: "Having heard the evidence at the Old Bailey trial we know just how brave Steve was and how gallant he was and I know that's exactly what his colleagues were thinking as well."
Bourgass, an 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.
"We as a family are not resentful, we are not bitter, we don't want revenge, nothing like that at all," Mr Oake added.
"Certainly we wanted justice to be done but I pray for the killer every single morning which confirms to me that I have wholly forgiven him."
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