Two police officers who risked their lives to warn people living in a block of flats of a nearby fire have been praised.

On Saturday, March 7 police were called at 6.39pm to the blaze behind a commercial premises in Cranleigh Gardens, Harrow.

Several residential flats were on top of and bordering the building.

The two quick-thinking officers forced entry into the flats and alerted people living there to the nearby blaze to evacuate them.

They were assisted by a member of the public who worked with officers to quickly clear the flats of residents.

London Fire Brigade arrived at the location and quickly got the fire under control with minor damage to the homes.

The two officers were also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Acting Chief Inspector James Noble praised the officers for their brave actions.

He said: “I am incredibly proud of the actions of these two officers, thanks to their quick-thinking nobody was seriously injured. Their actions demonstrate the commitment our officers have to protecting the members of the public, who, in this case, had no idea there was a fire in the building beneath them, until our officers raised the alarm.

“My thanks as well to the brave member of the public who assisted my officers.

“Thankfully the officers were not seriously harmed and are back out on duty.”