Bravery Recognized: Police Officer Trevor Lock Dies at 85 After Iranian Embassy Siege
Trevor Lock, awarded the George Medal for his courage during the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London, has passed away at the age of 85.
Trevor Lock, a police officer celebrated for his heroics during the Iranian embassy siege in London in 1980, has died at the age of 85. Lock was a member of the Metropolitan Police's diplomatic protection squad and was taken hostage during the six-day standoff when armed members of a dissident Iranian group seized the embassy on April 30, 1980.
Lock was awarded the George Medal for his acts of bravery during the incident, which included tackling one of the gunmen and saving the life of an SAS soldier.
His actions during the siege were noted for exemplifying extraordinary courage under pressure, as he managed to calm fellow captives while resisting his captors.
Brian Booth, acting deputy national chair of the Police Federation, recognized Lock's contributions, stating that his bravery exemplifies the highest standards of policing.
Booth highlighted Lock's resilience and selflessness, saying that despite his heroic deeds, Lock shunned the limelight, letting his legacy inspire future generations of officers.
The siege began when six gunmen stormed the Iranian embassy, demanding the release of 91 political prisoners in Iran, alongside a plane to evacuate the hostages and themselves from the UK. Lock, who was in the embassy at the time, sustained injuries from flying glass when one of the assailants fired a machine pistol.
In a 2002 interview, he recounted the moments following that attack, describing a horrifying scene filled with pain and confusion.
On May 5, 1980, after negotiations failed and the situation escalated when the gunmen shot the Iranian press attache, Margaret Thatcher’s government authorized the SAS to storm the embassy.
The special forces executed a tactical raid, resulting in the hostages being freed after intense gunfire, but not without casualties—one hostage was killed, and two others were wounded.
Five of the six gunmen were killed during the operation, while the sole survivor was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Lock's commitment to duty and bravery during one of the most significant crises in London's history has left a lasting impact on the city’s police force and the fabric of national security operations.
His service and sacrifice are commemorated as part of a vital chapter in the history of law enforcement.
Lock was awarded the George Medal for his acts of bravery during the incident, which included tackling one of the gunmen and saving the life of an SAS soldier.
His actions during the siege were noted for exemplifying extraordinary courage under pressure, as he managed to calm fellow captives while resisting his captors.
Brian Booth, acting deputy national chair of the Police Federation, recognized Lock's contributions, stating that his bravery exemplifies the highest standards of policing.
Booth highlighted Lock's resilience and selflessness, saying that despite his heroic deeds, Lock shunned the limelight, letting his legacy inspire future generations of officers.
The siege began when six gunmen stormed the Iranian embassy, demanding the release of 91 political prisoners in Iran, alongside a plane to evacuate the hostages and themselves from the UK. Lock, who was in the embassy at the time, sustained injuries from flying glass when one of the assailants fired a machine pistol.
In a 2002 interview, he recounted the moments following that attack, describing a horrifying scene filled with pain and confusion.
On May 5, 1980, after negotiations failed and the situation escalated when the gunmen shot the Iranian press attache, Margaret Thatcher’s government authorized the SAS to storm the embassy.
The special forces executed a tactical raid, resulting in the hostages being freed after intense gunfire, but not without casualties—one hostage was killed, and two others were wounded.
Five of the six gunmen were killed during the operation, while the sole survivor was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Lock's commitment to duty and bravery during one of the most significant crises in London's history has left a lasting impact on the city’s police force and the fabric of national security operations.
His service and sacrifice are commemorated as part of a vital chapter in the history of law enforcement.
