IN THE wake of last week’s terror attack East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has paid tribute to the police – and warned it’s going to be hard to guard against those willing to unleash indiscriminate public attacks.

He was in the House of Commons last Wednesday (March 22) when a knife man killed police officer PC Keith Palmer before being shot dead in a courtyard outside the Palace of Westminster.

To get to the palace, the man drove at speed across Westminster Bridge mowing down pedestrians; four were killed and around 40 were injured, some critically.

Mr Hinds said: “They had no connection to Parliament other than to have been near it. They were of many nationalities and the carnage was random.

“This senseless act of terror brought unimaginable horror onto the streets.

“While sadly London is no stranger to terrorism, this kind of low-tech marauding attack was something new.

“It was ostensibly an attack on Parliament, but those who were killed and horrifically injured were not parliamentarians.

“Those of us inside the building were in lock down, and, thanks to the immense bravery of the police, safe.

“It is others’ families who mourn.

“We are fortunate to live in one of the most free and tolerant societies, underpinned by our police.

"We do have armed response units, but in the main officers do not carry deadly weapons, and that is something precious. As are our democratic institutions.

“PC Palmer was one of the group of special people who are the friendly, welcoming face of the Palace of Westminster.

“They give directions, join tourists in their memento photos and guard the symbol and the practice of democracy, the ’mother of Parliaments.’ He died in defence of both.

“Every day in the Commons begins with prayers, and on the Thursday morning after the attack, this moment of togetherness and reflection took on an additional depth.

“We reflected on liberal democracy and why some would seek to attack it and on the incalculable valour of those who defend it, physically standing in defence of those values.

“Doubtless security will be heightened around the Palace of Westminster, but you simply cannot guard against all eventualities when you face people willing to unleash indiscriminate attacks in the public street.”