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Police officers awarded for bravery after woman trapped in burning car

PC Jay Langshaw, who rescued a woman from a burning car.
PC Jay Langshaw, who rescued a woman from a burning car.

Two Kent policemen are to be honoured after freeing a woman trapped in a blazing car... just moments before it was engulfed in flames.

PCs Jay Langshaw (pictured left) and Wayne Owen (pictured below) risked their own safety to free the woman driver, stuck in her overturned car as flames threatened to lick around her trapped feet in the footwell.

Now the pair are to be honoured among some of the bravest officers in England and Wales at a ceremony later today.

It comes after the duo were sent to an accident at Hosey Common Road in Westerham, while on patrol.

They found a car on its side in a ditch, with the engine engulfed in flames.

Inside they saw a woman who appeared to be trapped and, after calling the fire brigade, they fought the fire with an extinguisher.

As the fire spread to the inside of the car the officers fought off the heat and flames... only to find the woman's feet trapped as they climbed inside.

As the blaze then erupted again, it spread to the footwell - with thick black smoke engulfing the area.

A statement released ahead of the event, said: "However, without thought for their own safety, the officers decided to remain and continue to rescue the driver.

PC Wayne Owen, who rescued a woman from a burning car.
PC Wayne Owen, who rescued a woman from a burning car.

"Despite being overcome by thick, acrid smoke and heat, the officers managed to remove the driver from the car to a safe distance before the car fully went up in flames."

The Kent Fire and Rescue Service watch manager who attended said it was clear the officers had directly risked their lives to save the life of the driver.

The Chief Constable commended both officers for their outstanding bravery and commitment to duty in the finest traditions of the police service.

Now the pair will join officers selected from all 43 forces in England and Wales, nominated by colleagues for their bravery.

The event in the City of London follows a reception at 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron.

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