A routine call in a quiet community escalated into a critical emergency with four police constables, Daniel Secker, Hannah Nutter, Chloe Hopwood and Sophia Welsh, displaying extraordinary courage in the face of a rapidly spreading blaze, including a man fully engulfed in flames.

The officers were attending an unrelated incident when they spotted what appeared to be a fire in the distance. As they sprinted toward the scene, the horrifying reality became clear: A man was on fire.

PC Secker and PC Nutter immediately threw themselves into action. With the flames consuming the man at terrifying speed, they tried desperately to smother the fire by rolling him on the ground, patting down the flames, and shouting instructions for him to roll. But the inferno was too intense.

Thinking fast, the pair manoeuvred him into a nearby lake, extinguishing the flames in seconds.

Without hesitation, both officers plunged into the water after him, helping to bring him out onto dry land, and staying by his side until paramedics arrived at the scene.

While this unfolded, PC Hopwood retrieved a fire extinguisher from the police vehicle. Once the man was safe, she and PC Welsh turned their attention to a second threat, the surrounding fire, which was spreading quickly and endangering nearby areas. Working in tandem, they fought the blaze to prevent further danger to the public.

Paramedics managed to get a pulse for the man, however he sadly later passed away at hospital.

All four officers suffered smoke inhalation and required hospital treatment, a stark reminder of the risks they willingly accepted in those critical moments.

Lancashire Police Federation Secretary Stuart Parry said: “I am very proud to be accompanying the four Lancashire officers to London this year for the PFEW National Bravery Awards.

“On the night in question the officers were dealing with a routine incident when faced with a horrific scene more akin to action movie, that will never leave their memories. Faced with an explosion, woodland alight and out of control, and a male engulfed in flames.

“The four officers did not hesitate, working as a team showing extreme courage and bravery putting the life of another before their own, in trying to save the male’s life.

“All four officers required medical attention. Policing is a job like no other, officers run towards danger day in day out and it is absolutely right they are recognised for putting their lives on the line.”

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said: “I am deeply moved by the extraordinary bravery shown by PCs Daniel Secker, Hannah Nutter, Chloe Hopwood and Sophia Welsh during this incredibly distressing incident.

“Confronted with the unimaginable sight of a man on fire, they acted without hesitation or thought for their own safety. Their swift, selfless actions almost certainly preserved life at the scene in the most harrowing of circumstances. Sadly, despite their best efforts the man passed away shortly later in hospital.

“Their courage, professionalism and empathy exemplify the very best of policing, and I could not be more proud of them."