Dramatic moment police battle their way into burning building

by · Mail Online

This is the heart-stopping moment two police officers battled their way into a burning building to save the people who were trapped inside. 

A member of the public then helped rescue a man who was still stuck in an upstairs flat above the huge shop fire in Willesden, Greater London, yesterday. 

The heroic civilian used a ladder they found in a courtyard at the back of the three-storey building to break a window and help the occupant escape.  

The dramatic bodycam footage shows the police officers battling their way up a smoke filled staircase to the first floor of the building. 

Huge flames can be seen raging behind a door at the top of the stairs as the cops usher the trapped residents down. 

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'Officers were quickly on scene and immediately recognised the dangerous situation unfolding in front of them with smoke billowing from windows and reports of people still inside a flat on the first floor.' 

Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines were called to tackle the blaze on Willesden High Street at around 1pm on Friday.

Three members of the public and one police officer were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. 

This is the heart-stopping moment two police officers battled their way into a burning building to save the people who were trapped inside
Photo shows the scene outside the fire at the three-storey building in Willesden yesterday
The dramatic bodycam footage shows the police officers battling their way up a smoke filled staircase to the first floor of the building

The bravery of the two police officers involved and the member of the public has been praised by the Met Police.

Commander Paul Trevers said: 'The actions of these officers exemplifies the qualities that runs through the core of our officers in the Met police – bravery, tenacity and above all a desire to keep the public safe when faced with danger.

'Confronted with a terrifying situation and knowing that people were at risk they did not hesitate in going into that building to protect the lives of others. I am immensely proud of their actions as I'm sure all Londoners will be.

'I would also like to praise the courage of the members of the public who, alongside our officers, helped ensure the safety of those inside the building.'

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.