A group of committed officers who put themselves at significant personal risk to rescue a man from a burning vehicle have been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2026.

In August 2025, after completing a twelve-hour shift, Police Constable Stephenson and Police Community Support Officers Clark and Smith were travelling home together along the A180 westbound when they encountered a serious and life-threatening incident while off duty.

As they made their way along the dual carriageway, their vehicle was suddenly overtaken by a car travelling at excessive speed, believed to be in excess of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle passed so closely it nearly collided with them before disappearing ahead.

Less than a minute later, the officers came upon the same vehicle, which had left the carriageway, collided with a tree and overturned into a field. The car was on its roof and already on fire.

Faced with an immediate threat to life, the officers brought their vehicle to a stop on the live carriageway and ran towards the wreckage. Behind them remained the danger of fast-moving traffic, while ahead of them the vehicle was rapidly becoming engulfed in flames.

On reaching the scene, they found the driver trapped inside the overturned car. Working together quickly and decisively, they forced open the driver’s door and began to pull him free from the vehicle.

The driver, who was intoxicated, was combative and repeatedly told the officers to leave him. Despite this, the officers maintained their focus and continued their efforts, successfully dragging him clear of the burning vehicle and moving him to a place of relative safety near the roadside barriers.

Throughout the incident, flames continued to intensify just metres away, presenting a significant and ongoing risk to all involved.

Police Constable Stephenson immediately contacted the Force Control Room and remained on the line, providing clear and composed updates while assisting with first aid. Together, the officers managed the injured and uncooperative casualty, ensured members of the public who had stopped were kept at a safe distance, and maintained control of a highly dangerous and dynamic scene.

The actions of Police Constable Stephenson and PCSOs Clark and Smith demonstrated exceptional commitment, teamwork and presence of mind. Despite being off duty and having just completed a long shift, they did not hesitate to act, placing themselves in danger to preserve life and protect others.

Their intervention ensured the driver was removed from a burning vehicle and given the opportunity to receive urgent medical care. Their conduct reflects the very highest standards of policing and a clear dedication to public safety, regardless of circumstance.

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims said: "Humberside Police Federation are incredibly proud of PC Stephenson, PCSO Smith and PCSO Clark and they are worthy nominees to represent us at the National Police Bravery Awards.

"These officers ran towards this incredibly dangerous situation without any thought for their own safety. They put their own lives at risk to rescue the driver of a car engulfed in flames, knowing the very real risk that the vehicle could explode at any point.

"They acted quickly and decisively that day, and there is no doubt that their heroic actions saved the driver’s life.

"We are proud to see the way PC Stephenson, PCSO Smith and PCSO Clark worked together so quickly and decisively to save this man’s life. Their actions show how all members of the police family support each other to get the best outcome for members of the public.

"We are very proud of them all."

Chief Constable Chris Todd : “PC Stephenson and PCSOs Clark and Smith demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism in the most challenging of circumstances. Having just completed a long shift, they were off duty and heading home when they were confronted with a truly life‑threatening situation. Without hesitation, they ran towards extreme danger, placing their own safety at significant risk to rescue a man trapped in a burning vehicle.

“Their calm decision‑making, teamwork, and sheer determination ensured that a life was saved and that others were protected from harm. This was an exceptional act of bravery, carried out with compassion and resolve, and it reflects the very best values of policing. They are wholly deserving of this national recognition, and I am incredibly proud of all three officers and the example they set for our police family and communities.”