Watch the heart-stopping moment hero cops save lives of Sheffield residents in burning home
South Yorkshire Police helped save the lives of a number of Sheffield residents when a major fire broke out
South Yorkshire Police force has received huge praise after saving a number of Sheffield residents from a fire.
The incident took place on Thursday (23 July) at 4am when officers were alerted to a fire in the Fox Hill area of Sheffield.
SYP explain that officers went door-to-door to wake up residents and urgently evacuate them from their homes as they waited for fire services to attend the scene.
In a statement, they wrote: “Our officers were first on scene at the blaze on Thursday (23 July) after becoming aware of the fire while on patrol.
“With no concern for their own safety, they began to go door-to-door to wake up residents and urgently get them out of their homes while South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene and brought the blaze under control.”
No serious injuries have been reported as a result of the fire, but two people were treated at the scene for minor wounds.
Inspector Alec Gibbons, of the North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The first and most important duty of any police officer is to preserve life and that is certainly what the officers at the scene of this devastating fire did.
"Without their quick thinking and decisive action, the effects of the blaze could have been worse than they have already turned out to be.
"I'm extremely proud of our officers at the scene who showed unquestionable bravery and admirable composure in a fast-moving and perilous situation."
A 59-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of two counts of criminal damage - including arson endangering life and arson not endangering life - has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.
Reacting to the video footage, Karen Thistlethwaite said: “Well done to the officers who alerted everyone to evacuate. It must have been very frightening for all those involved. Thankyou for getting everyone to safety.”
Christopher Barnsley added: “Well done to the police very quickly got everyone safe and made people aware of the danger.”
Andrea Edge said: “Give them a medal.”