Met officers commended for bravery after rescuing members of the public from blaze in Euston

A team of nine local Met officers have been praised for their bravery after a fire broke out in a hostel in Euston.

The fire started in the early hours of Saturday (8 February) morning and officers were the first emergency responders on the scene.

The five-storey building caught ablaze, with around 20 members of the public, which included many tourists, trapped inside.

On arrival, officers were met with thick smoke which had filled the entire basement level and was rising and spreading to the floors above.

Before London Fire Brigade arrived, officers bravely entered the basement and located a number of people who were trapped and disorientated inside smoke filled rooms. They calmly led members of the public to safety.

Police Sergeant Pete Day tackled the fire with extinguishers, while Police Constable Luke Uzzell forced entry to all of the rooms in the smoke filled basement to ensure nobody was trapped.

The other officers searched the remaining floors of the hostel, giving clear directions to people and ensuring those who were injured could access medical care from London Ambulance Service paramedics, who had also arrived on scene.

Commander Peter Stevens said: “Each and every day Met officers put their lives in danger in order to protect the public and keep the communities they serve safe.

“The actions of these officers were outstanding and exemplify the very best of the Met. Without a thought for their own safety, they stepped into danger and showed exemplary courage.

“I’m thankful that nobody was seriously injured and this is no doubt due to the heroic actions of our brave officers.”

Three members of the public, as well as the nine Met officers, were all taken to hospital for minor injuries caused by smoke inhalation. They have all since been discharged.