Heroic Camden police officers praised for pulling woman from burning building

Three brave Camden police officers who pulled a woman from a burning building have been praised for their heroism.

Thick, black smoke was billowing from under the door at the woman’s home in Millman Street, Bloomsbury, as the men – PCs Steven Hartrey, James Morrison and Ady Nadeem – arrived in the early hours of Thursday, June 27.

After calling the fire brigade and London Ambulance Service, the officers broke down the door without a thought for their own safety to search for anyone who might still be inside the flaming building.

They discovered the woman in a basement bedroom and pulled her out of the smoke-filled home.

The officers and the woman were rushed to hospital.

They were treated for smoke inhalation but have since been discharged.

Superintendent Gary Buttercase, of Camden Police, said: “The officers took a bold and brave decision to force entry into the premises in the knowledge that waiting could result in the loss of life. I’m immensely proud of the actions of these officers and it’s a fitting reminder of why police officers choose to do the job they do.”

Several flats in the building were evacuated but residents have now been allowed to return to their homes.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.