By IANS,
London : Scottish police are to honour officers who helped thwart the Glasgow airport bomb attack led by Indian engineer Kafil Ahmed two years ago, the head of the region’s police force announced Friday.
Bangalore-born Ahmed’s brazen bid to kill scores of holidaymakers ended up killing him, while his brother Sabeel was deported back to India.
A total of 39 officers and six departments will be recognised for their bravery during the June 30, 2007 attack and their involvement in the subsequent investigation, Strathclyde police said.
Officers rushed to the scene after Ahmed tried to drive a burning Jeep filled with gas canisters into the terminal.
The terror attack failed when the vehicle became stuck at the gate.
Officers hosed down a burning Ahmed, who died of burn injuries a month later, and overpowered and arrested co-passenger Bilal Abdulla, a doctor.
Iraqi-born Abdulla was jailed for at least 32 years in December for his involvement in the Glasgow attack and failed terrorist plots in London.
Strathclyde Police’s chief constable Stephen House said it was the “right time” to recognise the officers now the court case had ended.
“I am honoured and privileged to be presenting these awards,” he said.
“Officers never know what they may have to encounter on a daily basis and I fully appreciate that, irrespective of an officer’s role, they regularly face difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.
“Throughout the past year as chief constable of Strathclyde, I have been impressed by the commitment and dedication shown by both police and support staff throughout this force who carry out their duties in a professional and diligent manner.
“I am confident that we have learned a lot from the events of June 30, 2007, and are now stronger as a force and better placed to deal with anything of a similarly challenging nature,” he added.