Brave officers saved woman from setting herself on fire
CONSTABLES’ ‘HUGE COURAGE’ HAS THEM NOMINATED FOR POLICE BRAVERY AWARDS
A WOMAN who was determined to set herself on fire was saved from tragedy by the brave actions of two police officers.
Pcs Owain Jones and Stephanie Kingston saved the woman from serious harm after they had been called to a domestic incident at an address in the Coalville area.
The officers located the woman in her garage and quickly realised the threats to harm herself were real when they discovered her covered in petrol.
The woman initially kept the officers at bay outside the garage – vowing to set herself alight if Pc Kingston, who had been speaking to her through the garage door, entered the room.
But both officers knew the woman was in serious trouble after smelling the strong petrol fumes coming from the garage.
Pc Jones joined his colleague and they spoke with the woman in an attempt to build up a rapport and she soon gave the Pcs permission to enter the garage.
Upon entering, they were overwhelmed by fumes – and discovered the woman huddled in a corner, soaked in petrol poured from a nearby can.
It was at this point that Pc Jones saw a lighter in the woman’s moving hand, and without hesitation, he jumped on her to grab it.
Pc Kingston assisted him without a moment’s delay, kicking the petrol can away and forcing the lighter from the woman’s hand.
The woman was referred to safeguarding services after the rescue.
The pair’s actions have seen Pcs Jones and Kingston nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards for their conduct during the incident, which took place last November.
Leicestershire Police Federation chairman Adam Commons said the risk to both officers was very real and they deserved to be recognised for their efforts. “It was clear that the threat to life was real – and high. The brave actions of both officers have saved the woman’s life and they put themselves at risk of serious harm in order to do this,” he said.
“The incident went from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye. But through great teamwork, quick and calm reactions and huge courage, this duo stopped a potential catastrophe. “We are very proud of Owain and Stephanie – they are very worthy nominees for The National Police Bravery Awards.” Sponsored by Police Mutual, the awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.
Pcs Jones and Kingston will discover if they have won the top honour at the ceremony to be held in London next month.
It was clear that the threat to life was real – and high
Leicestershire Police Federation’s Adam Commons