'I was so proud of him': Brother pays tribute as 'secret hero' of airport terror attack dies

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'secret hero' who tackled a would-be suicide bomber at Glasgow Airport.

- Douglas Dickie

Stephen Clarkson, who has died aged 59, did not seek recognition for his part in foiling terrorist Kafeel Ahmed in June 2007.

He was awarded the Queen's Commendation For Bravery after taking Ahmed down with a “wee forearm smash”. He passed away just five months after being diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.

Stephen, from Glasgow, was picking up family when Ahmed and Bilal Abdullah rammed a Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters into the glass doors of the airport's terminal. Ahmed emerged from the vehicle on fire and started fighting off police officers before being brought down.

Five people were injured in the incident, which was linked to the London car bomb attack the previous day. Stephen’s part in foiling the attack remained a secret for over two months until other members of the public who had responded were nominated for a Pride Of Britain gong.