TWO courageous Dorset Police officers and a good Samaritan are to receive a top award after they risked their own lives to pull a man from his burning car.

PC Chris Griffin and PC Fern Graham were responding to a 999 about a car fire in Turbary Park Avenue in Bournemouth on August 15 last year when they came across the trapped driver.

Stephen Cole, 21, of Kinson Road, Bournemouth, was seriously injured in the trapped wreckage of his car after it collided with a post and a tree. His leg had also caught alight.

PC Griffin and PC Graham, response officers based at North Bournemouth police station, battled to rescue the man through the inferno and were helped by nearby resident Ray Fryer, 59.

PC Griffin said: “When we first arrived I thought it was a car that had been set alight.

“We couldn’t see anything for the flames and smoke.

“But then we saw the door moving and realised there was someone inside.

“We crawled through brambles and saw him hanging out of the car.”

The officers and Mr Fryer managed to pull Mr Cole from the car, put out the fire on his leg and administer first aid.

Mr Cole suffered a broken leg, a broken neck and burns to his leg.

Now the trio are to be presented with the Royal Humane Society testimonial on vellum in recognition of their courage and bravery.

Deputy Section Commander Andy Edwards of North Bournemouth Police Station nominated the officers and Mr Fryer for the award.

He said: “Both of my police officers and Mr Fryer richly deserve this award. “Their actions on August 15, 2011 undoubtedly, in my opinion, saved the life of the driver of the vehicle. “They all acted with minimal consideration for their own safety and all three displayed extreme bravery when faced with a very difficult and dynamic situation.”

Speaking about the award, PC Griffin said: “We acted instinctively with the situation we saw before us, the result being that the male involved was removed from the vehicle successfully, away from the danger and treated by paramedics. “I am surprised at receiving this award and also privileged.”

And PC Graham added: “I am very honoured to receive this award from the Royal Humane Society.

“I am sure that any Dorset officer or member of the public would have acted in the same way to save the life of another.”