Off-duty officer saves woman's life before working 24-hour shift

15 April 2026

An off-duty Dyfed Powys Police officer saved a woman’s life in the early hours of the morning during a dramatic incident at a London hotel.

PC Rhys Gravell-Williams had been deployed on mutual aid duties when he was woken by a fire alarm at the hotel he was staying in near Heathrow in the early hours of the morning.

He initially believed it to be a routine activation and remained in his room. However, as the alarm continued and he heard activity in the corridor, he sensed something was wrong.

He said: “I thought it had gone off by accident or someone smoking so stayed in my room for a short while, but then I heard people moving quickly in the hallway and staff knocking on doors.

“That’s when I realised this was something more serious.”

 

PC Rhys Gravell-Williams was recognised for his bravery.

 

As he left the room, two members of hotel staff were attempting to gain access to a locked room in which they feared there was a fire.

Rhys identified himself as a police officer and offered to help.

Despite attempts to force the door, it remained secured on an internal latch. When it eventually opened slightly, it revealed a chaotic scene with thick steam, which Rhys feared could be smoke, water pouring from the ceiling, and poor visibility.

He said: “It was hard to work out what we were dealing with. There was so much water coming through the sprinkler system, it was difficult to breathe and see clearly.

Dramatic rescue

“It became clear that the fire system had been activated so we needed to get in.”

Rhys and another officer forced entry into the room where they discovered a woman suspended from the ceiling sprinkler system.

The officers lifted her weight to relieve pressure before a hotel manager provided Rhys with a knife to cut her free.

He said: “It was difficult with the water and everything going on, but we managed to get her down safely.”

The woman was given immediate first aid before paramedics arrived, and was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Police instinct kicks in

He said: “It was a shock but you focus on what needs to be done and your police instinct kicks in.

After his heroic actions, Rhys then competed a 24-hour shift policing a Palestine Action protest alongside Metropolitan Police colleagues.

And his life-saving actions did not go unnoticed by Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, who personally thanked him later in the day.

His actions did not go unnoticed. Senior officers, including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, personally thanked him later that day.

Rhys said: “He came over, shook my hand, and said he’d heard what had happened and that he wanted to thank me.

Commended

“The assistant chief said he would be writing to my chief constable at Dyfed Powys to make them aware.

“There have been a few posts online and social media. For me, it was part of the job but it is nice to see something positive about policing being shared.”

Dyfed Powys Police Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “Demonstrating unwavering commitment to duty PC Gravell-Williams thereafter continued his shift, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community.

"This remarkable display of dedication and resilience reflects the highest standards and PC Gravell-Williams serves as an inspiring example to all."

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