Hero police officers run into burning close to rescue trapped tenants
Quick-thinking cops praised for getting families to safety
Two hero cops rushed into a burning building to rescue residents after hearing their desperate screams for help.
The brave officers were patrolling in Netherhill Road, Gallowhill, around 8pm on Saturday when they came across a blaze in the common close at a block of flats.
Terrified residents appeared at the top windows shouting for help as they had been trapped by plumes of thick black smoke.
A quick- thinking female officer raced into the flames risking her life to bring the householders - including a child - to safety, while her male colleague dampened the flames with a fire extinguisher.
She evacuated the building making sure everyone got out before more emergency crews arrived on scene.
The female police constable was treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation but resumed her shift.
Six adult residents and a child were also checked over by medics before they were allowed back into their homes.
It is understood there were no injuries.
The fire is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to have started in the common close.
Inspector Tracy Harkins from Paisley’s community policing team praised the actions of the officers involved.
She said: “On seeing the fire and hearing the cries for help, officers immediately attended the scene. On observing the seat of the fire within the common close one of the officers used the fire extinguisher, which is carried in all police vehicles, to dampen the flames.
“The other officer managed to make her way up the stairs and escorted a number of residents safely from the building.
“Both officers acted swiftly to ensure the safety of local residents.
“The officers quick-thinking ensured that the fire was kept under control until the arrival of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“I am delighted that all persons including the police officers, who acted bravely, were uninjured as a result of this incident.”
The blaze prompted a large emergency response with ambulances and fire crews racing to the street. A section of the road was closed while investigators scoured the scene and firefighters made sure the building was safe.
The officers quick-thinking ensured that the fire was kept under control until the arrival of rescue services