Bravery award for PC in fire bomb danger

PC Paul Dimelow attended Trevor Ward's home on Commonside, Crookes, in May last year to take him to hospital after Mr Ward was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. But mentally ill Mr Ward began throwing petrol bombs and became engulfed in flames himself.

PC Dimelow battled to save him, but Mr Ward, aged 59, suffered 100 per cent burns and died.

Following an inquest into his death in March this year, Sheffield coroner Chris Dorries recommended PC Dimelow to the Royal Humane Society for a bravery reward.

Now he is to be awarded the Royal Humane Society testimonial on vellum, personally signed and approved by Princess Alexandra, the Humane Society's president.

A Humane Society spokesman outlined PC Dimelow's courageous behaviour.

"He tried to put the flames out attempting to get the man onto the ground. However, he failed, and the man then returned inside the house. He followed him into the hallway and had to prevent the man's 14-year-old son, who had been next door, from rushing into the burning house to try to help.

"This was an extremely brave action on the part of PC Dimelow. He was in serious danger.

"He had already had one petrol bomb thrown at him but he still tried to save the man, even though he knew he had another unexploded petrol bomb. He could have received serious burns. He richly deserves this award."