Police volunteer uses lorry as shield after crash

A volunteer police officer, who works as a long distance lorry driver in his day job, has been praised for his "courage, leadership and professionalism" after he came across a serious collision on the M6.

The injured driver was still inside the car after the crash near Staffordshire on the night of 26 February and, recognising the risk of a further collision, Lancashire Police Special Sergeant Alex Rose used his lorry to shield it.

Rose, who volunteers across Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, contacted emergency services, provided initial first aid and helped the driver out of the car to a place of safety.

"I'm grateful I was in the right place to help," he said.

Rose works for the Bowker Group in Bamber Bridge and travels up and down the country for work.

He said while he was waiting for the emergency services, he warned oncoming motorists and slowed traffic until officers from Staffordshire Police and National Highways attended the scene and closed the motorway.

"I did what any police officer would do," he said.

"When I saw the situation unfolding, my only focus was keeping the driver safe and preventing anyone else from being hurt.

"The training we receive gives us the confidence to step in, even when we're off duty."

South Divisional Commander Ch Supt Ian Jones said: "Alex demonstrated exactly what it means to serve the public, acting with courage, leadership and professionalism even when off duty.

"His quick thinking ensured the safety of a vulnerable casualty, helped prevent what could have been a far more serious incident and may well have saved the driver's life."

William Bowker from The Bowker Group said: "We are incredibly proud of Alex and the calm, decisive way he responded in what was clearly a dangerous situation.

"We are incredibly proud of the way he stepped in to help."

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