Thousands line the streets of London to bid farewell to PC Keith Palmer as hearse carrying the hero cop starts at the gates of Parliament where he lost his life

HIS final journey began through the gates that he laid down his life to defend. But on the hearse carrying the hero policeman to his resting place was a reminder that PC Keith Palmer was, above all…

And to honour him, London yesterday staged an unprecedented show of mourning for an officer killed in the line of duty.

Just under three weeks ago the world watched in horror as PC Palmer, 48, lay lifeless following the Westminster terror attack.

As many as 50,000 had now turned out to pay their last respects to “the perfect policeman”.

Chief Inspector Neil Sawyer, who served with PC Palmer, described him as “always professional, always smart, always caring”.

He continued: “As police officers we go to work every day knowing we may be called upon to put our own lives in danger and many do.

“On Wednesday 22nd March 2017 Police Constable Keith Palmer did just that, to protect life and to ­protect Parliament.

“And he did not waver. He stood firm and made the ultimate sacrifice in doing his duty

MORE: Thousands line the streets of London to bid farewell to PC Keith Palmer as hearse carrying the hero cop starts at the gates of Parliament where he lost his life