Canvey: Appeal after officers save woman from fire

Quick-thinking officers acted swiftly to rescue a trapped woman from a fire which was deliberately started.

Our officers responded to a call shortly before 11.30pm on Friday 20 October, reporting a fire had broken out in the area of Seaview Road, Canvey Island.

The blaze took hold outside a bin shed, with our officers on the scene within ten minutes and Essex Fire and Rescue Service colleagues alerted.

Three officers took quick action after arriving at the scene, identifying a woman remained trapped inside.

PC Michael Tremeer and SC Lindsay Frend used fire extinguishers to fight some of the flames, allowing S/Sgt Johnathon Cuthbertson to move through the thick smoke to free the woman from the shed.

'Actions showed bravery and courage'

Chief Inspector Paul Hogben, Castle Point and Rochford district commander, said:

“The actions of my officers showed bravery and courage.
“Not only did they all risk breathing in the smoke, they further risked their safety knowing there was potentially flammable material nearby in order to rescue the victim.
“They are all a credit to Essex Police and reflect the fine work which police officers do on a daily basis to protect the public.”

The fire is being treated as arson and is under investigation by CID.

Enquiries are moving at pace to identify any suspects and make arrests.

Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we are continuing to appeal for information.

We need any witnesses, or anyone with information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, to come forward.

Please contact us quoting reference number 42/189109/23.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

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