Moment hero police officer rescues three children from flat fire
A police officer who rescued three children from a burning flat has been recognised for his bravery.
Acting Sergeant Tony Ruth's quick thinking helped save the youngsters after his team spotted a blaze at a block of flats in Uxbridge, west London.
Police bodycam footage showed the officer climbing up to the window of the home in Station Road to rescue each of the children.
Met Officers also guided two adults down the ladder to safety.
On Monday, Acting Sgt Ruth was commended for his actions when he was named 'officer of the month' for the West Area Command Unit.
His colleagues, PC Dave Collinswood and PC Ryan James, were also recognised for the important part they played in the response to the fire.
The officers were on a routine patrol in Uxbridge shortly after midday on 27 December when they noticed smoke coming from the underground storage area of a block of flats.
As they got closer to the building, it became apparent that there was a fire and that smoke was spreading quickly through the building.
They requested assistance from the London Fire Brigade but knew they had to act fast.
After checking the ground floor of the four-flat block and helping a resident leave the building, the officers heard a woman calling for help from one of the upper flats.
She shouted that she was trapped due to the smoke and had three children and another adult with her.
With the help of members of the public who provided a ladder, the officers were able to help the trapped family.
The family was taken to hospital as a precaution but nobody was seriously injured.
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Acting Sgt Ruth, part of the emergency response team based at Hillingdon, was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and was discharged following treatment.
After being recognised for his bravery, he said: “It’s great to be recognised in this way but it’s important that this incident and everything we do in this role is a team effort.”
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, policing commander for the West Area Command Unit, added: “It goes without saying that the quick-thinking and courageous actions of A/PS Ruth, PC Collinswood and PC James, with the assistance of members of the public, potentially saved the lives of this young family.
“They have demonstrated the best qualities that we expect in our officers, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. I, and all their colleagues on the West Area Command Unit, are immensely proud of them.”
