15 July 2023 , 12:45
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Footage shows two men clinging on to a ledge for their lives at the top of a burning tower block before they were rescued by police and firefighters.
Tragically, one man Abdul Jabar Oryakhel fell to his death as he attempted to escape the fire at Twinnell House in Bristol, but two others hung on outside the 16th floor of the council tower block until they were pulled to safety.
Bodycam footage shows PC Justin Robbie bravely smashing the block's corridor windows with his truncheon to get to the men after storming the building to reach them.
A firefighter then proceeds to kick in the window frame to make space for the men to climb through and escape the fire.
After helping the men through, PC Robbie then immediately calls for an ambulance to greet one of the men who was injured during the ordeal.
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Two men were rescued from the ledge of the tower block (Avon and Somerset Police)The police officer was subsequently nominated for a National Police Bravery Award for his actions in the early hours of September 25 last year.
PC Justin Robbie, said: “It is an honour to be recognised with this nomination but, like all officers, we don't do it for the awards. I acted on my training and my automatic response kicked in.
"When everyone is running away from the danger, we run towards it.
The fire was at Twinnell House in Bristol (Avon and Somerset Police)“Sadly, one person had already died and all I could think about was 'I need to get in there and make sure no-one else is hurt'.
"I didn't think about my own safety, I just acted and luckily I was able to get to those two men and get them out safely. It is fantastic to be able to say I saved someone's life by being there."
Avon and Somerset Police stated: "We’d like to congratulate one of our police officers following his nomination for a National Police Bravery Award.
A firefighter at the scene of the rescue (Avon and Somerset Police)"PC Justin Robbie ran into a burning residential tower block with no protective equipment and saved the lives of two men who had climbed out of a top floor window."
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Police officers and staff encounter difficult and often harrowing situations on a daily basis and regularly put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the public.
“However, running into a burning building with the knowledge someone has already tragically died in order to save others is an act of true heroism.
PC Justin Robbie has been nominated for a bravery award (Avon and Somerset Police)“PC Robbie remained calm in a highly dangerous situation and together with a firefighter worked swiftly and efficiently to rescue two men.
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"While someone very sadly lost their life in the fire, had PC Robbie not shown such courage and selflessness the tragedy could have been even worse.
“I’m extremely proud to have someone of PC Robbie’s character and professionalism working for Avon and Somerset Police – his actions on that night exemplify the very best of British policing.”