Top Scotland Yard award for Indian-origin cop

Shand Panesar, an Indian-origin constable with Scotland Yard, was awarded the Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award for risking his life to rescue a couple from a burning building.

Shand Panesar, an Indian-origin constable with Scotland Yard, has been awarded this year’s Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award for risking his life with a colleague to rescue a couple from a burning building in London last September.

Police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe (left) with constables Shand Panesar and Craig Nicholson, who were presented the Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award in London. (Metropolitan Police Service)

Panesar and Craig Nicholson were jointly awarded after the public voted for them in the Total Excellence in Policing Awards, which were presented by Metropolitan Police police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe.

According to the details, Panesar and Nicholson arrived at the scene of the blaze in Hillingdon before the London Fire Brigade did, and quickly learnt that two people were trapped inside.

Although both had no fire safety equipment or protective clothing, Scotland Yard said they acted in the best traditions, charged into the flame engulfed house without any hesitation and managed to rescue the couple, who later made a full recovery.

Hogan-Howe said: "These awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the courage and professionalism of our officers and police staff, in saving lives, fighting crime and tackling armed and dangerous criminals.