Watch: Terrifying moment Telford police find major tanker fire
“While most people quite rightly move away from danger, our officers run towards it to keep our communities safe.”
Police have revealed the terrifying moment officers came across a fuel tanker fire in Telford.
The tanker, on Rock Road in Overdale, was engulfed in an inferno, with the community rocked by loud explosions as the blaze developed.
The fire was on a narrow road, near to homes, and just more than 100 metres from a primary school.
The striking footage shows Police Community Support Officer George Mulhall and PC Savannah Green confronted with a rapidly developing threat.
It came just after noon on Tuesday, April 14, with thick black smoke visible from the burning kerosene for miles around.
A huge operation from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service incredibly prevented the fire spreading - while staff at the nearby Newdale Primary School and Nursery conducted an impeccable evacuation of more than 450 children away from the danger.
Within seconds of arriving at the scene on Malborough Way, PC Green closed the road and called the fire in to the control room over the radio, while PCSO Mulhall approached the vehicle to see if anyone was trapped or injured.
As PC Green told members of the public not to get any closer, PCSO Mulhall was asked to evacuate the nearby primary school over concerns that the 15,000 litre tanker could explode.
PCSO Mulhall ran towards the school, and with the help of three members of the public, was able to alert teachers and staff who quickly, and safely, evacuated around the pupils.
Meanwhile PC Green was calling for back up and managing the incident while Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service made their way to the scene.
Thankfully, no one was injured during the fire, and within 10 minutes of the police arriving, the fire service were at the scene and bringing the blaze under control.
Superintendent Edward Hancox spoke of the courage shown by his officers, as they faced a dangerous and unpredictable situation.
He said: “Savannah and George showed courage and professionalism in an unpredictable and potentially life-threatening situation. While most people quite rightly move away from danger, our officers run towards it to keep our communities safe, and their actions on Tuesday are a clear example of that commitment.
“Their quick thinking, calm decision‑making and willingness to put themselves at risk ensured the area was quickly secured, the fire service could get to work, and school children were evacuated safely.
“We are also incredibly grateful to the school staff and the members of the community who stepped forward to help. Their cooperation and swift response played a crucial role in keeping everyone safe in the initial stages of the incident."
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