FOUR police officers have received awards for bravery for trying to save a man from a blazing car four years ago.

DC Andrew Johnston and Constables Ian Critchley, Paul Gibson and Paul Fletcher, were each nominated for the Giancarlo Tofi Award by Chief Constable of Merseyside, Norman Bettison. The award is presented annually to people throughout Europe who have jeopardised their own lives in rescuing victims of road accidents.

The issuing authority, Comitato Il Samaritano decided that the officers should be recognised for their courageous actions. In the incident, a car travelling along the Rainford By-pass on March 24, 1996 rolled over and hit four lamp-posts before bursting into blames and exploding. The four officers tried to rescue the trapped driver, but despite their brave efforts he died at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Taffy Williams, said: "The officers acted far beyond the call of duty in an attempt to save life, putting their own at risk in doing so. It was sad that there was a loss of life on this occasion, such selfless actions are to be highly commended."

The officers were presented with their scrolls by Italian Consul Signora N Bertali.