Pc in Telford house fire rescue up for award

Pc Robert Harris smashed his way into the home of Margaret Humphries-Podd with a fire extinguisher and helped keep the flames at bay until fire crews arrived.

Ms Humphries-Podd had fallen down the stairs at her home in Saxon Court, Leegomery, and was unable to move as flames and smoke raged around her as the blaze took hold in November 2014.

The officer will be recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on July 14.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour and recognise police officers who perform "outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty".

Ms Humphries-Podd's daughter Jane Currie said in a had called for formal recognition for Pc Harris after the incident.

In a letter to West Mercia Police bosses, she said: "Had constable Harris not made the decision he did that morning, taking the incredibly courageous steps he did, we know that mom would not have survived.

"He put his own life on the line for an old lady in life-threatening circumstances."

Pc Harris has been praised by the West Mercia Police Federation, who said he went above and beyond the call of duty.

Russ Yeomans, chairman of the federation, said: "In the early hours, constable Harris was sent to a blazing house after being alerted about an elderly lady who had fallen and was laying immobile inside.

"Neighbours had previously smashed the living room window but had been unable to free her – and now the flames were taking hold, fuelled by air from the broken window.

"When a paramedic told constable Harris the elderly woman was unresponsive, he initially tried to grab her and manoeuvre her through the broken window. When that failed, he raced to his car, retrieved a fire extinguisher and ran to the back of the house.

"Knowing the woman's life was in danger, he realised every second was critical before the fire service arrived.

"Using his baton to smash the patio door, he ran to find the woman, without thinking about his own safety, and managed to put out the flames which had already engulfed the dining room table and had already reached the ceiling.

"The fire service then arrived and used cutting gear on the front door and the woman was able to be evacuated and taken to hospital.

"There is no doubt that the quick-thinking and bravery of constable Harris saved this lady's life that night.

"Without waiting for the fire service he put all thoughts of his own safety aside, knowing that every second was critical and she might succumb to the fumes any second."