Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed calls for a student killed as she tried to save a friend in a knife attack to be awarded the George Cross.

Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a 19-year-old student, died trying to save her friend Barnaby Webber from attacker Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023.

Recognising her remarkable "sacrifice" and "astonishing bravery", MPs and high-ranking police officers have called for the England under-18s hockey player to receive the highest civilian honour for courage.

“I think the Prime Minister would certainly want to get behind nominations and he’d pay tribute to the bravery that Grace demonstrated whilst faced with perilous and terrifying circumstances,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

“Decisions around the George Cross are made by an independent committee to review, and final decisions are then made by His Majesty the King.

“But of course, the Prime Minister would support those nominations.”

Her mother, Sinead O’Malley, who has worked as a consultant anaesthetist at The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, told The Sun: "Grace is never coming back to us, but we never want her to be forgotten, and this would certainly make sure she is remembered for ever.

"The George Cross would be a remarkable acknowledgement of her bravery."

Her father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, himself saved three teenage victims after a knife attack in 2009, when he was working as a GP in Chingford.

He said: "The bravery she showed was incredible for a young girl.

"The accolade would be an example to every other young person."

Enfield Independent: Grace’s father was a GP who saved three teenage victims after a knife attack in 2009Grace’s father was a GP who saved three teenage victims after a knife attack in 2009 (Image: Newsquest archive)

Grace's brother, James, added: "She was a hero.

"She tried her best and that's who Grace was."

The George Cross, which is recommended by the Prime Minister, has only been issued 160 times since its initiation in 1940.

It is reserved for individuals demonstrating admirable heroism in dangerous situations.

Grace's parents learned about her selfless actions when they were shown police CCTV of the attack.

Grace was one of three people killed in the Nottingham attack in June last year.

Conservative MPs Marco Longhi and David Morris have joined the chorus of voices calling for Grace to be awarded a George Cross.

Mr Longhi, who represents Dudley North and is on the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: "Grace showed selfless bravery.

"Her remarkable effort should be rewarded with a posthumous George Cross.

"This would be a fitting tribute to her and it would be a fitting legacy for her heroism."

Before studying in Nottingham, Grace attended Bancroft's School in Redbridge.

The talented hockey player, who played at London’s Southgate Hockey Club as well as for the Old Loughtonians in Chigwell, also wanted to be a doctor and follow in her parents' footsteps.