FOUR police officers who pulled a driver from his burning van at Minsterworth in 2010 have won the police category at the national BBC 999 awards.

PCs Hayley Howes, Stuart Dudfield, Jon Cann and Simon Wilson were presented their award by Dame Kelly Holmes and Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister.

The officers were called to a fatal road traffic collision on the A48 in November 2010. 

A Subaru Impreza going towards Lydney had collided with a Mercedes Sprinter van driving towards Gloucester.

A young man who was driving the Subaru sadly died in the collision.  The driver of the van was conscious but was trapped by his leg inside his cab. 

A member of the public called the emergency services and an ambulance arrived next, and although the crew spoke to the trapped van driver they were immediately forced back by explosions and the heat from the flames. 

PC Howes and PC Dudfield arrived minutes later finding the scene pitch dark apart from the light from the fire.  PC Dudfield brought a fire extinguisher and lamp from the car.

PC Howes went to the passenger side of the van cab and got in with the trapped driver. She was aware of the immense heat and flames that were already close to the van's windscreen.

 The driver told her that his right leg was trapped and he had pains in his chest. PC Howes tried to pull his leg free but it was firmly wedged in. 

She called for PC Dudfield who came to assist. He also climbed in and attempted to pull the leg free but was unable to do so. 

They were then joined by PC Cann and PC Wilson who climbed into the cab. Between them they managed to free the drivers' leg. All four pulled the driver from the cab and carried him to safety.

PC Hayley Howes said: "I was really, really surprised to be nominated as we had already been nominated for the Police Bravery Awards and were lucky enough to go to London last year. Even though we did not win anything I was still humbled by all of that.

"I know it sounds really cheesy but this a great example of how people working as a team, together, can achieve great things. There is no way I could get the injured man out of the van without the help of Stu, John and Simon.

"I would also like to say that it is important not to forget that someone died in this incident and my thoughts go out to his family. We were the lucky ones who got to go home that night."

 

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Berry said: "We are immensely proud of all of our officers for the tremendous work they carry out, which is exemplified by the actions of these particular officers. 

"They demonstrated extreme bravery in a very challenging situation, and may well have saved the van driver's life. 

"We must never forget, however, that a young man sadly lost his life in this incident and our sympathies remain with his loved ones." 

Hosted by Kirsty Young and Lenny Henry at BBC Television Centre, the BBC 999 Awards saw a host of celebrity names pay tribute to the heroic acts that officers and volunteers perform on a daily basis.