A heroic off-duty police officer has saved the lives of an elderly couple after kicking down the door of their burning brick home and dragging them to safety.
The officer was driving to work at 5.45am on Wednesday morning when he spotted the single-storey house in Sydenham, in Sydney’s inner west, completely alight.
He kicked down the front door and helped remove a man and a woman, believed to be aged in their late 70s or early 80s, with the help of two neighbours.
A heroic off-duty police officer has saved the lives of an elderly couple after kicking down the door of their burning brick home (aftermath pictured) and dragging them to safety
The officer was driving to work at 5.45am on Wednesday morning when he spotted the single-storey home in Sydney’s inner west completely alight
The elderly couple were taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where they are being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 6.10am but were still working on totally extinguishing the fire at 7.30am.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but firefighters believe it broke out in the rear of the property.
Newtown Local Area Commander, Superintendent Gavin Wood, paid tribute to the actions of the police officer.
The elderly couple were taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where they are being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation
‘The officer was on his way to work when he saw this home on fire,’ Supt Wood said.
‘He has literally kicked in the front door of a burning building, entered and saved this couple.
‘We are fortunate to have police who see trouble, respond and – without a thought for themselves – save lives.
‘I will be reviewing this incident with a view towards appropriate recognition of his actions,’ Supt Wood said.
The police officer has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital as a precaution.
The blaze caused severe damage to the old home, including a partial roof collapse, and forensic officers will examine the scene once it is safe enough to enter.
The blaze caused severe damage to the old home, including a partial roof collapse