Posthumous award for anti-terror cop

AWARD honour . . . Det Con Stephen Oake

A MANCHESTER police officer killed during an anti-terror raid in Crumpsall has been posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for bravery.

Det Con Stephen Oake was working as a Special Branch officer for Greater Manchester Police when he was stabbed to death on January 17, 2003.

Al Qaida terrorist Kamel Bourgass was sentenced to 22 years in prison in June, 2004, for murdering Stephen and attempting to murder three other GMP officers in the raid — linked to the discovery of the deadly poison ricin at a flat in London.

The award is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order.

It is one of the bravery awards in the honours system that recognises selfless, brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or the arrest of dangerous criminals.

Stephen’s wife Lesley gave the following statement: “This is great news. 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 that day.”

In 2006, a Home Office committee rejected calls to award the George Cross to Mr Oake.

GMP’s chief constable, Peter Fahy, said: “These awards are only given out in exceptional circumstances and the whole force is pleased that Stephen’s great bravery has been recognised in this way.

“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.

“We are especially pleased for Stephen’s family who have faced the most traumatic of circumstances with great dignity and forbearance.”