Fylde coast-based Lancashire Police officers praised for 'brave' efforts to save man on fire

A routine police call in a quiet community escalated into a major emergency as four constables displayed remarkable courage while responding to a rapidly spreading fire involving a man engulfed in flames.

The officers - Daniel Secker, Hannah Nutter, Chloe Hopwood and Sophia Welsh - had been attending an unrelated incident when they noticed what appeared to be a blaze in the distance. Running toward the scene, they were confronted with the horrifying reality that a man was fully on fire.

PC Secker, who patrols near Fleetwood, and PC Nutter, who works in the Pheasants Wood near Cleveleys, immediately rushed to help. As flames spread rapidly across the man’s body, the pair attempted to extinguish the fire by rolling him along the ground, patting down the flames and shouting instructions for him to continue rolling.

Despite their efforts, the intensity of the blaze proved overwhelming. Realising immediate action was needed, the officers quickly manoeuvred the man into a nearby lake, where the flames were extinguished within seconds.

Without hesitation, both officers entered the water to help bring him safely back onto dry land. They remained by his side, providing assistance and reassurance until paramedics arrived at the scene.

At the same time, PC Hopwood retrieved a fire extinguisher from the police vehicle. Once the man had been brought to safety, she and PC Welsh turned their attention to the surrounding fire, which was spreading rapidly and posing a threat to nearby areas. Working together, the officers tackled the blaze in an effort to prevent further danger to the public.

Paramedics managed to restore the man’s pulse, but he later died in hospital. All four officers suffered smoke inhalation and required hospital treatment following the incident.

‘Extreme courage and bravery’

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.”

‘I am deeply moved’

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."