West Hampstead firefighter's courage and bravery in daring rescue

A FIREFIGHTING hero has been commended for his outstanding courage and bravery for coming to the rescue of a woman and her toddler.

Firefighter Matthew Lloyd from West Hampstead fire station was awarded the Borough Commander's Commendation at Wembley Police Station last week after he saved a young woman and her two-year-old son from an attack by an aggressive black youth in September last year.

Matthew risked life and limb to protect the woman and child from being repeatedly assaulted by the thug, who was chasing them down Priory Park Road in Kilburn, with two other youths.

Despite having his nose broken in the attack, the brave hero stood his ground until the attacker ran away.

The thug was subsequently arrested and jailed for these offences.

Matthew had intervened in the thug's attack on the woman, who had grabbed her and dragged her along the pavement, by positioning himself between the pair and preventing a further assault.

The suspect eventually ran away from the scene while the female victim and her son were taken by police to a place of safety, while Firefighter Lloyd was taken to the Royal Free Hospital to be treated for his injuries.