THREE policemen have received bravery awards after rescuing a five-year-old boy, who had been doused with petrol by his father.
The horrifying incident had unfolded in Kingshurst last October, with officers arriving on the scene to find the terrified youngster trapped inside a car and his dad threatening to strike a cigarette lighter.
Sergeants Neal Marsh and Gareth O'Sullivan and PC Carl Anderson managed to calm the man down and co-ordinated an emergency response, which involved armed officers, West Midlands Fire Service and paramedics.
Noticing that the boy wasn't wearing a sea tbelt, they seized an opportunity when his father was briefly distracted, pulling open the car door and plucking the son to safety.
Sgt Marsh wrestled the lighter from the 53-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and managed to detain him with the help of Sgt O'Sullivan.
The man was subsequently charged in connection with dangerous driving, attempted arson with intent to endanger life and child neglect and sentenced to three years imprisonment. He was also handed a restraining order.
In recognition of their brave efforts, the trio were recently awarded a West Midlands Police Chief Constable's Commendation and a Society for the Protection of Life from Fire Award.
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