Crash rescue heroes honoured for bravery

Four police officers have been commended for their efforts in rescuing two people trapped in a burning car after a four-vehicle smash.

Sergeants Darren Hayes, Stuart Wells and Andy Jackson and Constable Dave Williams have been awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation.

They received their awards at a ceremony last week. The event was held at force headquarters at Hindlip Hall in Worcestershire.

It recognised the commitment and dedication officers and police staff had shown above and beyond the call of duty.

Force control room supervisor Andy Smart was awarded a superintendent commendation for his communication and negotiation skills in helping talk a man down to safety who was threatening to jump from a bridge in Shrewsbury.

The four-vehicle crash happened on September 13 last year on the A49 at Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury.

A Citroen caught fire and the elderly couple inside were quickly helped to safety by members of the public before the car exploded.

The explosion caused the car next to it – a Ford with two badly injured people trapped inside to catch fire.

Constable Williams was the first officer at the scene and started trying to rescue occupants. He was joined in the rescue by sergeants Hayes, Wells and Jackson.

The officers then went into the burning car and tried to release the driver.

After the fire was put out, the fire service was able to free the couple from the car.

The elderly couple rescued from the Citroen, Bill and May Duff, from Wincham near Northwich, both died, but the couple in the Ford survived.

Detective Superintendent Martin Lakeman said officers were all awarded chief constable's commendations for their 'utmost professionalism, their calm and brave actions dealing with a life threatening situation, while putting their own safety in danger'.