A heroic PC who dug an elderly man out of a collapsed house caused by a suspected gas explosion, has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

The officer from Cumbria Police was at home off duty on New Years Eve when an explosion rocked his house. He immediately ran outside and saw a terraced house about 100 metres away from his address had been devastated by an explosion.

Rubble was falling from the building; the roof having collapsed, and masonry was strewn in all directions covering cars and the surrounding street. He described the scene that met him as ‘chaos’.

He immediately ran into the property without any thought for his personal safety and located an elderly critically injured individual underneath a pile of rubble. He dug him out and carried him from the house which was still falling down around him.

He was also told there were others in the property, so he went back in, locating two more people on the first floor. He was unable to reach them as the staircase had been completely destroyed in the explosion.

He remained at the house to assist and guide other emergency service colleagues as they arrived at the scene. He offered reassurance to the other two individuals still trapped inside until they were rescued, only returning home once they were all safe.

His prompt actions at the scene were imperative to allow the injured member of the public to obtain swift medical care and contributed to the safety of the other people left in the building and surrounding area.

Cumbria Police Federation Chair Ed Russell said: “His actions display the very best characteristics of what it means to be a police officer. When you first join the job, you invariably hear the old adage of ‘a good cop is never off duty’ and his actions that day are a testament to this.

“Not only were his actions brave, but he also didn’t hesitate. He put others’ lives and safety before his own, and this selfless heroism is the reason he was selected for this award.”

Deputy Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “He showed remarkable courage, whilst off-duty, placing himself in danger, selflessly helping people who had been affected by the explosion.

“He ran into a property, which had been extensively damaged, and located the occupant, who he removed to safety. He then assisted the emergency services to locate and reassure other people who had been trapped on the first floor of the property.

“I am extremely proud of him for his ‘quick thinking’ and bravery. The recognition from the Police Federation for his actions, is well deserved and very much appreciated.”