Police officers who saved three people from a flat fire in Paisley have been praised for their bravery.
Constables Jordan Loughrey and Claire Coleman had just left an incident on Belmont Road where four of their colleagues were injured when they tackled the blaze.
As they were leaving the area on July 25, they noticed smoke coming for a common stairwell in Netherhill Road.
After going to investigate, they found upstairs residents calling for help and instantly sprung into action.
PC Loughrey, who is aged 27 and a probationer with one years' service, said: “I just reacted. I saw the people trapped upstairs and the flames.
"We alerted the Control Room who, in turn, alerted fire service and they were already on their way. I grabbed the fire extinguisher from the police car and just went in.
"I was worried about the smoke and for the safety of the people upstairs.”
PC Coleman, aged 39 with 13 years' service, added: “It was one of the most challenging situations I’ve ever faced in my service.
"We chanced upon it so didn’t have much time to prepare ourselves. Our response was a natural reaction, we simply couldn’t stand back and watch.
"Jordan tackled the flames, which were blazing, while I ran upstairs to evacuate the occupants.
"On reaching the stairwell the smoke was overwhelming. I couldn’t see my hand in front of me and had to feel my way up the wall to reach the doors of each flat.
"It was frightening for sure, but I’m just glad we were there to help and that no one was injured.”
All residents all escaped the building and were checked over by the ambulance service, with PC Coleman treated for minor smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire was later determined to be accidental.
Superintendent Derek Lang from Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division said: "Thanks to the vigilance of Constables Coleman and Loughrey everyone escaped the fire safely.
"Their complete lack of hesitation to help people in need is to be commended and shows the absolute best of policing.
"Earlier in their shift, they'd assisted four of their colleagues who had been hurt in the course of their duties.
"We must never forget the risks faced by police on a day-to-day basis, as well as the professionalism and bravery our officers show in the face of violence or danger."
