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Bravery awards after house fire and fatal stabbing

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageBedfordshire Police A man with dark brown hair and short beard, wearing a grey waistcoat and black shirt and tie, holding a police bravery award certificate and a medal in the other hand. He is flanked on either side by two senior police officers. Bedfordshire Police
Tyler Scott (centre) received a silver medal for carrying an 84-year-old woman to safety following an explosion on Cleat Hill, Bedford last year

Four members of the public have been recognised by a police force for their extraordinary bravery.

One of them carried an elderly woman from a burning house in Cleat Hill in Bedford following an explosion and the others helped restrain a man following a stabbing in the town.

The residents from Bedfordshire were recognised at the National Police Chiefs' Council's annual Police Public Bravery Awards on Thursday.

Bedfordshire Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said they put themselves in harm's way "without hesitation to protect others, prevent further danger and support our officers and emergency services".

News imageAnt Saddington/BBC An aerial view of a house which has been destroyed by a fire. There are emergency vehicles on the road alongside the house.Ant Saddington/BBC
Two people were killed in a gas explosion at a house on Cleat Hill, Bedford in October last year

Tyler Scott, 25, received a silver medal for carrying an elderly woman out of a burning house following an explosion on Cleat Hill, Bedford in October last year.

He was driving to work when he spotted smoke coming from a house, and as he got closer, he saw the property was on fire and had sustained significant damage.

Mr Scott called 999 but, during the call, he spotted 84-year-old Julia Harris on the ground floor.

He entered through a window, picked her up and carried her out to safety.

She was taken to hospital but died 10 days later.

An investigation by police and the Health and Safety Executive into the incident is ongoing.

News imageBedfordshire Police A man in a suit standing next to a woman in a dress who is holding a police bravery certificate. She is wearing a necklace which is made up of a series of round bits of jewellery. They are both smiling into the camera.Bedfordshire Police
Tamara and Andrew Vidler helped restrain a man who had a knife on him until police arrived

Charlie Butcher, 31, received a gold medal for his actions during a fatal stabbing in Bedford in May 2024.

He was in a retail store on Riverfield Drive when he heard a commotion outside and ran out to see Jacob Zuco, 19, moments after he had fatally stabbed 20-year-old Leon Penman.

Police say he bravely approached the suspect as he started to walk away and tripped him up.

He then worked with Tamara and Andrew Vidler to restrain Zuco, who had a knife tucked into his waistband, until police arrived.

They also ensured the weapon was not compromised forensically.

The Vidlers were each awarded silver medals at the ceremony in Sheffield.

News imageBedfordshire Police A police mugshot of Jacob Zuco, who has brown hair that is cut just above his eyebrows. He has stubble and a serious look on his face. Bedfordshire Police
Jacob Zuco has been told he must spend at least 20 years in jail

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, who attended the awards on behalf of Bedfordshire Police, said: "It's truly inspiring to see members of the public being honoured for their extraordinary courage.

"Their actions embody the very values we uphold in policing and serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery, strength and compassion that exists within our communities."

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