Fire rescue Pc: 'I'm not a hero'

Josh Warwick

A BRAVE police officer today told of the moment he fearlessly pulled a man from a burning building.

Pc Tim Walker leapt into action after flames ripped through a block of flats in Jasmine Close, Trimley St Martin on Thursday.

Without any thought for his own well-being, Mr Walker climbed a ladder into a smoke-logged flat before rousing a sleeping resident and leading him to safety.

But today, the 40-year-old played down his heroics insisting: “I saw something that needed to be done and I did it.”

Mr Walker, who lives in Needham Market, said: “I was one of the first to arrive and it was immediately obvious it was going to be a big fire because the place was already well alight.

“I found a ladder and noticed there was an open window. I climbed the ladder and saw there was a man inside who was asleep but beginning to wake up on the sofa. The room was full of smoke.

“I roused the man and persuaded him to come outside. I had to help him down the ladder because he clearly needed some assistance.”

The man was checked over by paramedics but was left unharmed - but the story could have been tinged with tragedy were it not for Pc Walker's efforts.

However, the former insurance worker, who has been a policeman for the last eight years, said: “I'm not a hero.

“I could see there was a member of the public who was in danger and I got on with it.

“I love the job, for me it's the best in the world, and I'm really proud to do it. It's great to be able to help people.

“It's nice to get the plaudits but we are all dependent on each other.”

Mr Walker's heroics follow the brave actions of a man who alerted residents to the fire before helping a 20-year-old woman who had leapt from a window to safety.

The fire, which was reported to emergency services at around 12.15am, broke out in the stairwell of the building after a settee or a chair caught alight or was deliberately torched.

Investigations are continuing to ascertain whether the incident was an act of arson or merely an accident.

Early estimates suggest £20,000 of damage was caused.

Anyone with information on the fire should call Pc Scott Hard at Suffolk police on 01473 613500.