A TEAM of brave police officers have been honoured for their courage after rescuing a boy who’d been doused in petrol by his father and was at risk of being set alight in Solihull.
Sergeants Neal Marsh and Gareth O’Sullivan, along with PC Carl Anderson, arrived at the scene in Kingshurst last October to find the terrified five-year-old trapped inside a car and the man threatening to strike a cigarette lighter.
Despite the clear danger to themselves, the trio managed to calm the boy’s father while co-ordinating an emergency response which included firearms officers, the fire service and paramedics.
They spotted the youngster was not wearing a seatbelt − and when the 53-year-old was temporarily distracted they pulled open the car door and plucked him to safety.
Sgt Marsh wrestled the lighter from the man and, with the assistance of Sgt O’Sullivan, he was detained.
He was charged in connection with dangerous driving, attempted arson with intent to endanger life and child neglect and sentenced to three years imprisonment and handed a restraining order.
All three officers were recently awarded a West Midlands Police Chief Constables Commendation and a Society for the Protection of Life from Fire award.
