Family, former colleagues and fellow Charlton Athletic supporters have paid tribute to murdered policeman Keith Palmer who was a lifelong Addicks fans and a former Bromley police officer.

The 48-year-old father died after he confronted the terrorist who crashed his car outside Parliament after mowing down pedestrians on Westminster bridge.

PC Palmer joined the Metropolitan Police in 2001 and was based in Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009.

He then joined the Territorial Support Group (TSG) in Catford before joining the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command in April last year.

PC James Aitkenhead, who worked alongside Keith in the TSG, said: "Keith was a genuinely nice person; nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"When I heard what had happened I knew it would be him because that's just the sort of guy he was, to step straight in when others might step back.

"He had a great work ethic, he worked on our warrants' car for years, getting up at 4am to serve warrants and arresting wanted offenders.

"He was always so positive, always staying late after everyone else and getting in early.

"In his personal life he was a massive Charlton Athletic fan and had a season ticket.

"We will miss him so much."

PC Palmer, who was was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner's Excellence Awards, was married and had a 5-year-old daughter.

His family released a statement today that said: "Keith will be remembered as a wonderful dad and husband. A loving son, brother and uncle. A long-time supporter of Charlton FC.

"Dedicated to his job and proud to be a police officer, brave and courageous.

"A friend to everyone who knew him.

"He will be deeply missed. We love him so much.

"His friends and family are shocked and devastated by his loss and ask that they are left to grieve alone in peace."

A red and white scarf has been placed in his seat in the East Stand by the club which will remain there until the next home game on April 4.

The club called PC Palmer a "true hero" and will consider ways to commemorate him at the game itself.

News Shopper:

A Charlton scarf on PC Palmers seat. 

A JustGiving page set up to contribute towards funeral costs raised more than £18,000 in two hours.

MORE: Tributes paid to hero police officer Keith Palmer killed in Westminster terror attack

Charlton fans took to social media and fan forums to pay their respects to PC Palmer.

Ian Millar posted on twitter: “Somehow makes it worse that Keith Palmer was a #cafc fan. One of our family.”

News Shopper:

PC Keith Palmer.

Forum users on the website Charlton Life posted about their memories of the brave policeman.

User JorgeCosta wrote: “RIP Keith. We served together in the TA at Grove Park before he joined the police. He was a good lad and a good soldier.”

MORE: Seven arrested in connection with Westminster terror attack

User Davo55 wrote: “Like many others, I was already feeling very shocked and upset at yesterday's awful events.

“Now finding out that the poor police officer so terribly murdered was one of our own is just heart rending.

“RIP Keith, always an Addick. Nothing but respect and admiration for the work that Keith and his colleagues undertake on our behalf.”

MORE: IN PICTURES: Terror at Houses of Parliament as knifeman kills police officer and mows down pedestrians

Many users have called on Charlton Athletic FC to hold a tribute to him during their next game.

User Eltham Addick wrote: “RIP Keith, terribly sad.No one should go out to work and never return home.

“Would like to see the club do something on this at an upcoming home game.”

MORE: Westminster terror attack as it happened: Four people dead after car hits pedestrians, police officer stabbed and attacker shot

User James Easton tweeted at Charlton’s official Twitter account saying: “Please honour PC Keith Palmer. The officer murdered by that coward today and Charlton fan.”

A Charlton FC spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that the club has learned of the tragic news of the death of PC Keith Palmer, a loyal Charlton supporter and season-ticket holder, who lost his life as a result of the terror incident in Westminster on Wednesday afternoon. 

"Keith was a familiar face at The Valley to many supporters and sat in his same East Stand seat for many years. 

"Keith was a true hero who will be greatly missed by all the Charlton family and everyone at the club would like to offer their sincere condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time. 

"The club also wish to extend condolences to the families of all those victims who were involved in yesterday’s incident."

Charlton fans built a memorial in 2014 to murdered soldier Lee Rigby after he was killed in May 2013.

Inspector Mark Turner, from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, who most recently worked with Keith, said: "He really was a solid reliable member of the team - he came in and just got the job done, quietly and efficiently.

"He was a fantastic member of staff and will be sorely missed."

As a mark of respect Keith's shoulder number - 4157U - will be retired and not reissued to any other officer.

The other victims, who were mowed down as they crossed Westminster Bridge, have been named as mother-of-two Aysha Frade, 43, and American tourist Kurt Cochran, in his 50s.

The police believe the attacker, who was shot dead by police after stabbing PC Palmer, was Khalid Masood who lived in the West Midlands and was originally from Kent.

A vigil for the victims of the attack will be held at 6pm this evening in Trafalgar Square. 

Did you know PC Keith Palmer? Email jessica.clark@london.newsquest.co.uk or joe.dempsey@london.newsquest.co.uk to pay tribute.