A POLICE officer seriously injured on Westminster Bridge during Wednesday’s terrorist attack is from Braintree.

Kris Aves, 35, was mowed down by Khalid Masood’s 4x4 car during the terrifying ordeal in London which led to five fatalities, including the attacker and heroic PC Keith Palmer.

Lambeth-based officer Mr Aves is said to have undergone eight hours of surgery after being struck by the car.

His injuries - reported as two broken legs and a broken arm - were described as “life-changing” by a colleague.

Mr Aves’ parents, who still live in Braintree, were by his bedside.

In a statement, Mr Aves’s family said: “Kris went to work on Wednesday full of pride as he was receiving a commendation for his exceptional work as a police liaison officer during a demonstration in 2016.

“What started as a celebratory day, ended in tragedy.

“Kris is now being treated in hospital, and as a family we remain at his bedside.

“We thank his colleagues and the public who have sent us messages of support.”

Mr Aves was walking with two colleagues - PC Bradley Bryant and PC Roger Smith - when he was struck by the vehicle.

Mr Smith, in his 50s, had surgery for leg injuries while Mr Bryant was discharged after suffering minor injuries.

Fifty people were injured in total, some critical, including Brits and nationals of France, Romania, South Korea, Greece, Germany, Poland, Ireland, China, Italy and the US.