Praise for PC who saved people trapped in a burning car

AN ESSEX PC who risked his life to save three people trapped in a burning car has been commended by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh for his bravery.

PC Simon Newman, a dog handler in Sandon, Chelmsford, was on a routine patrol in Southend on 11 September when he saw a car run a red light.

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He attempted to stop the vehicle, but it made off at speed before losing control and hitting a tree, catching fire on impact. The driver fled the scene before PC Newman reached the car, leaving the four passengers trapped in the burning vehicle.

Flames were coming out of the bonnet and the car was filled with smoke. One passenger was able to free himself and the officer got him away from the scene to safety.

Risking his own life, PC Newman returned to help save a woman who had become trapped between her seat and the dashboard and was screaming in pain, a man whose foot was trapped under the driver’s seat and another passenger who was unconscious underneath one of the seats.

All four passengers were treated in hospital and later arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing to find the driver.

PC Newman said it was a “shocking” sight to see but he just “acted instinctively and did what any other police officer would have done.” He added: “It still disgusts me that the driver could run off and leave his friends. I’ll always reflect on that and wonder how he could do that.”

Presenting PC Newman with his Chief Constable’s commendation on 29 September, Mr Kavanagh said his actions demonstrated the “highest degree of selfless bravery which undoubtedly saved the lives of the occupants of the vehicle”.