TWO Bury police officers are in line for a bravery award after battling through thick smoke to reach five children trapped in a blazing house.

PCs Mo Duffield and Darren Davies led the youngsters to safety as firefighters arrived to tackle the burning attic bedroom at the house in Walmersley Road, Bury, in the early hours of Saturday morning (April 1).

The two police officers were patrolling Walmersley Road when they saw smoke coming from the building. Their quick reaction has been praised by Bury's chief superintendent Mr Phil Hollowood.

Describing the incident, Mr Hollowood said the officers went into the house through the front door and were met by a 50-year-old man and three teenagers watching television on the ground floor lounge.

He said: "The occupants were oblivious to the fire which was beginning to engulf the top floor.

"It then became apparent there were five children sleeping upstairs and the officers, without any thought for their own safety, rushed through thick smoke to reach them. "The children were lead to safety by the officers who showed great courage and determination in very dangerous circumstances. Their actions saved lives."

Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to other sections of the terraced house, although the second floor of the property was heavily smoke-logged.

Chief supt Hollowood added: "As with officers involved in a house fire last year, PCs Duffield and Davies are to be considered for a bravery award."

The fire is believed to have been caused by a reading lamp, that was without a shade, being knocked over on to a duvet and causing it to set on fire.

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