Officers from Chigwell and Grays who battled to save the life of a man trapped inside a blazing vehicle have won an award.

Temporary Inspector Rebecca Lee, PC Larry Litchfield and PC Scott Thomas attended a road accident in July 2018 in which a driver had ploughed his vehicle into a tree.

On arrival, the vehicle was ablaze with the driver trapped inside. 

PC Litchfield tried to use the fire extinguisher from his patrol vehicle, but it had little effect on the growing fire. He then slowed the traffic down and managed to get a tanker to stop in order to use the larger extinguishers they carry. 

T/Insp Lee and PC Thomas arrived on the scene and all the officers joined PC Litchfield in trying to douse the increasing flames. 

The officers made repeated attempts to try and rescue the driver, but they just couldn’t get near enough to the vehicle as it was just too hot and too dangerous. 

Despite their incredibly brave efforts, sadly the driver died on the scene. 

Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie said the officers had shown great courage and tenacity in trying to save the man’s life. 

“It was a horrifying scene for these officers to come across,” she said. “The car was absolutely engulfed in flames and they did all they could to try and save the man’s life. Sadly, on this occasion there was not a better outcome.” 

T/Insp Lee and PCs Litchfield and Thomas will attend the first ever Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards this September.