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A convicted murderer who helped wrestle London Bridge terrorist Usman Khan to the ground before he was killed by police has been praised by the Prime Minister for his heroism.

Steven Gallant, 42, tackled Khan armed only with a chair and narwhal tusk during the attack which began at a nearby prisoner rehabilitation event which he was out on licence to attend.

Gallant is serving a minimum of 17 years for killing ex-firefighter Barrie Jackson in Hull, 15 years ago.

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday Gallant's MP Karl Turner raised his constituents bravery, and asked if it would be recognised despite his past.

Mr Johnson hinted that Gallant alongside other people who intervened to stop Khan would be recognised for their bravery in the future.

(Image: PA)

Mr Turner said: "In 2005 my constituent Steven Gallant did a bad thing, for which he is serving a life sentence in prison.

"But on 29 November he was the third man on London Bridge.

"He wrestled the murderous terrorist to the ground so that police marksmen could shoot him dead.

"Steven is rightly serving life in prison, but will the Prime Minister pay tribute to Steven for his bravery that day which no doubt saved lives?

Mr Johnson said he was "lost in admiration for the bravery of Steven Gallant and indeed the others who went to the assistance of members of the public on that day and fought a very determined terrorist."

He added: "It is not for the government to decide these things, but it is my hope that that gallantry will in due course be recognised in the proper way."

(Image: PA)

In an interview after he was identified Gallant said he "didn't hesitate" to confront Khan,

"I could tell something was wrong and had to help," he told PA news agency.

"I saw injured people. Khan was stood in the foyer with two large knives in his hands."

"He was a clear danger to all, so I didn't hesitate."

During his trial Hull Crown Court heard the attack was carried out because Gallant wrongly believed his victim had attacked his girlfriend.

"I can never bring that life back, and it is right that I was handed a severe penalty for my actions.

"Once I'd accepted my punishment, I decided to seek help.

"When you go to prison, you lose control of your life. Your own future relies on the decisions of others.

"Bettering yourself becomes one of the few things you can do while reducing the existing burden on society."

Since going to prison, Gallant, who will be eligible for parole in 2022 subject to approval, has "vowed never to turn to violence again".