A senior police officer has spoken out about the life-saving actions of four of his staff.
AdvertisementChief Inspector Mike Adamson said the four police officers who went to the rescue of a dozen people at risk of being caught up in a fire were recovering well.
The incident, now an arson investigation, took place around 3.30am on Thursday (14 June).
A woman jumped from the first-floor flat in Aughton Walk, off Lancaster Road North, which was ablaze.
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She flagged down two police officers who were returning to the station, and they were joined by another patrol car.
Chief Insp Adamson said: “The officers broke down the door to the ground floor flat and found it was well alight.
“They quickly worked to clear all the flats nearby until the fire service came.
“We’re very proud of these four officers for their actions, which have no doubt saved lives. A total of 12 people were evacuated from the nearby flats.”
The four officers, all PCs, along with a number of the rescued residents, were taken to Royal Preston Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Chief Insp Adamson said: “It’s quite poignant these actions came on the one year anniversary of Grenfell. Obviously it is on a very different scale but it shows the bravery of the emergency services no less.
“It’s not everyday that officers do this, but it’s not uncommon either.
“Instinct kicks in I guess and we don’t have the same kit as the fire service, but you just know you have to do something.”
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Preston Police have now classed the fire, which left three flats destroyed, as arson.
A man, 41, from Preston, has been arrested on suspicion of arson and police say they are no longer appealing for witnesses.
Chief Insp Adamson said: “Those four officers should be very proud of what they did.
“It was their last shift of the week and so now they all have four, very well deserved, days off. I hope they enjoy them. And it’s back to work on Monday.”