In the early hours of 16 April 2021, PC Nick Beal was on mobile patrol, conducting an area search for a man in a vehicle who was wanted for domestic abuse offences, having breached a non-molestation order.

PC Beal located the man in his car and motioned for him to stop, but he failed to do so.

The officer started a pursuit, in accordance with his specialist training and experience, with the aim of bringing the car to a safe stop and arresting the driver. But the suspect drove in a dangerous manner and went onto the wrong side of the road, where he collided with a heavy goods vehicle.

Remembering the incident, PC Beal said: “The car sustained significant damage. My first thought was to check on the driver, so I went across to the vehicle and reached in through the driver’s window, searching for a pulse. I found a pulse but he was unconscious.

“The engine was smoking, so I grabbed fire extinguishers and must have extinguished three or four of them into the engine bay before flames developed.

“I ran back to the traffic car to get a crowbar to try to prise open the driver’s door to get him out. I kept trying to force the door, but the flames eventually took hold and I had to back off. There was nothing I could do for him.”

Despite PC Beal’s persistent efforts, the driver could not be freed and sadly died. PC Beal received occupational health support for this traumatic incident, as well as first aid for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

The investigation into the incident was run in parallel with the IOPC and resulted in a coroner’s inquest, with a jury. Throughout the investigation, PC Beal acted in a professional and diligent manner and was praised for his presentation of evidence at the inquest.

The Inquest Verdict was accidental death.

PC Beal said: “One minute the man was a suspect who was trying to evade arrest, and the next minute I’m trying to save his life. If I could have got him out, I would have got him out. I’ve been a police officer for 28 years, and the last 19 years I’ve been a traffic officer, and there is not a lot I haven’t seen or done. It’s what I chose to do. Winning this Award has been quite humbling; I didn’t expect it.”

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims said: “Nick bravely tried to save this man’s life, in the finest traditions of policing. There was no small risk to this officer with the dangers of a flaming car.

“We must also add that Nick demonstrated his skill and professionalism during the pursuit, the subsequent investigation and inquest.

“A video of this incident is now being used in driver training, in order to educate and protect other officers.”

Lee added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who lost his life that day.”

PC Beal will attend the first Humberside Police and Federation Bravery Awards on Thursday 15 June.

At the event a winner will be announced who will travel to London for the National Police Federation Bravery Awards in July.

The lead sponsor for the Awards is The Northern Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards are Serve and Protect Credit Union, No 1 Copperpot Credit Union, Metfriendly, Taylor Law, Niche, JMW Solicitors, New Park Court and The Humberside Police Welfare & Benevolent Fund.

The hashtag for the event is #HumberBravery.