The three women who confronted the killers of Lee Rigbyand sought to help the soldier should be officially honoured for their bravery, an MP has said.

Tory Julian Lewis (New Forest East) said Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, Amanda Donnelly and Gemini Donnelly-Martin should be given either a Queen's Commendation or a George Medal for their actions on the day Fusilier Rigby was killed.

Mr Lewis said the bystanders, who are known as the "angels of Woolwich", deserve an honour and pointed out that one of them now suffers mental health problems.

On May 22 last year, Muslim converts Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale ran down Fusilier Rigby, who was dressed in a Help For Heroes hoodie, in a Vauxhall Tigra near Woolwich Barracks before attacking the defenceless soldier as he lay in the road.

Ms Loyau-Kennett was thrust into the spotlight after calmly approaching one of the attackers as the young soldier lay injured in the middle of the road.

Amanda Donnelly and her daughter Gemini insisted on being allowed to sit with the 25-year-old victim to try to comfort him.

During the business statement in the Commons, Mr Lewis said: "In the week that saw the publication of the report on the Woolwich atrocity, attention has inevitably focused on the killers who did it and the social media companies who think that it was nothing to do with them.

"So may we have a statement from an appropriate minister on the failure so far to recognise the bravery of three people who did not pass by on the other side?

"Amanda and Gemini Donnelly-Martin, Ingrid Loyau-Kennett sought to help FusilierRigby and confront the killers. One of these has since suffered major mental health problems.

"So may we hear why it is that neither a Queen's Commendation or a George Medal has been awarded to these three very brave women who clearly deserve it?"

Commons Leader William Hague replied: "You are quite right to draw attention to the bravery and the outstanding behaviours of these individuals and to draw their names to the attention of the House.

"I will make sure the Prime Minister is made aware of what you have just said."