Colleagues have applauded the “very brave” decision of back-to-work hero officer Wayne Marques to rise to his greatest challenge and risk facing the trauma of terrorists for a second time.

Hundreds of messages of support have poured in for PC Marques on his return to light duties with British Transport Police.

The officer who confronted three knifemen during the London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack armed only with a baton is “thrilled” to be back in south London doing “what I love doing”, although he will not undertake any uniformed operational roles at this stage.

Plaudits for the officer – temporarily blinded in one eye and suffering multiple major stab wounds in the assault in June 2017 – have included “no better example of selfless public service” through to “should be knighted and given keys to our city”.

While a fellow officer added: “This is a guy who obviously loves his job and put his life on the balance when confronting those terrorists and now having the strength and mentality to go back doing his job is very brave, knowing that he could face it again one day.

“He’s a hero.”

On returning to work, BTP Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “Wayne is a credit to the force and he undoubtedly exemplifies the very best in British policing.”

PC Marques, honoured with a Pride of Britain award along with PC Charlie Guenigault who was also injured during the attack, said: “Since last June I have been in and out of intensive rehabilitation programmes, which at times has been incredibly tough both physically and mentally.

“Coming back to work has always been a goal of mine and I have been determined to reach this stage, returning to a sense of normality and routine.

“It feels surreal walking back through the doors. I know there is still a long road ahead of me before I can put the operational uniform back on, but with time I hope I can reach that stage." 
 
Paying tribute to the “overwhelming help” and support of friends, family and colleagues at BTP, he added:  “They’ve been there when things got tough and I would like to thank them for this.

“I must and will not forget everyone that got me to where I am today.”

Mr Crowther, who praised the officer’s “determination and hard work” during his rehabilitation, which are ”truly inspiring”, also paid tribute to the “many people who have helped Wayne’s recovery”.

These have included the team at Kings College hospital, Hedley Court, the Police Treatment Centre, BTP’s occupation health teams, and colleagues, he added.

Terrorists Youssef Zaghba 22, Khuram Butt, 27 and Rachid Redouane, 30, killed eight people and injured 50 more on the night of 3 June last year.

They drove a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people in Borough Market, where all three were shot dead by armed officers.