An anti-terror detective who was stabbed to death while foiling an al-Qaeda plot has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his bravery.

Detective Constable Stephen Oake, 40, of Special Branch, was stabbed as he wrestled Kamel Bourgass to the ground during a counter-terror raid in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003.

The officer, who once guarded Tony Blair, was stabbed eight times by Bourgass, who was involved in a plot to poison the British public with ricin.

Bourgass was later convicted of Constable Oake’s murder and the attempted murder of three other officers on June 2004. He was jailed for a minimum of 22 years. After Constable Oake’s death there were calls from his colleagues in Greater Manchester Police, and the public, for his bravery to be recognised.

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.

Constable Oake’s wife Lesley said, on behalf of her and her children, Christopher, Rebecca and Corinne: “We accept this award not only on behalf of Steve but in recognition too of the bravery of the many officers that were involved on that day.”

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