Car fireball rescue officers up for bravery award

Three police officers have been nominated for a national bravery award after putting their lives at risk to rescue a man trapped in a burning car.

PC Gareth Stephenson and Police Community Support Officers Barrie Clark and Rebecca Smith were driving on the A180 westbound near Barnetby Top, North Lincolnshire, in August 2025 when a car overtook them at more than 100mph (160km/h).

The car then left the carriageway and caught fire and the officers ran towards the flames to drag the driver to safety.

Humberside Police Federation chair Lee Sims said the officers had " there is no doubt that their heroic actions saved the driver's life".

The three officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards which will be held later this year.

Sims said: "These officers ran towards this incredibly dangerous situation without any thought for their own safety.

"They put their own lives at risk to rescue the driver of a car engulfed in flames, knowing the very real risk that the vehicle could explode at any point."

Less than a minute after the car had sped past the officers on the dual carriageway, they discovered it had veered off the road, hit a tree and overturned in a field.

It was already on fire with the driver, who was intoxicated, still trapped inside.

The officers ran towards the wreckage and forced open the driver's door to drag him to safety as the flames intensified.

The force said their intervention meant the man was able to receive urgent medical care and their conduct "reflects the very highest standards of policing".

Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "Without hesitation, they ran towards extreme danger, placing their own safety at significant risk to rescue a man trapped in a burning vehicle.

"Their calm decision‑making, teamwork and sheer determination ensured that a life was saved and that others were protected from harm."

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