A POLICEMAN who saved a young woman's life by pulling her from a blazing car has been awarded a top commendation.

PC Mark Hampton, stationed at Crewe, was one of the first people on the scene of an accident on the M62 in the early hours of July 21.

As a result of his bravery he was due to be awarded the Chief Constable's Commendation on Wednesday night.

The dramatic rescue followed a collision involving one vehicle which left the carriageway and crashed down a steep embankment on the motorway at Croft, near Warrington.

PC Hampton and PC Robert Holden were the first police on the scene and witnesses told them someone was trapped in the car.

The vehicle had landed on its roof at the bottom of the embankment and the engine compartment and front wheels were on fire.

PC Hampton fought his way through dense undergrowth to reach the vehicle while PC Holden called for further help before joining him.

A woman was trapped in the drivers seat by her seatbelt and the car was now well ablaze with thick smoke pouring from the engine area.

PC Hampton managed to cut the belt using a knife and together with PC Holden they pulled her from the car.

They carried the woman to the top of the embankment and other witnesses told them they believed there were other people in the car.

Without hesitation both men returned to the vehicle to tackle the blaze using small fire extinguishers but were beaten back by heat and smoke. It was later discovered there was no one else in the car.

A spokesman said: "It is clear that both officers showed a high degree of professionalism, determination and bravery in this incident.

"Their actions are in the best traditions of the police service and are well worthy of a Chief Constable's Commendation."

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