Last month, it was announced that Fareham Roads Policing Unit PC Simon Ford and Portsmouth Sergeant Steve Bowen would receive the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for their attempts to rescue a man who was threatening to set himself alight in a car at Portsmouth.

As they struggled to get the petrol-soaked man from the car, he set fire to his clothing with a lighter.  There was an immediate explosion and fireball which blew the officers from the car and ignited their clothing.

Despite their own serious injuries, the officers attempted to extinguish the burning man and to keep onlookers away from the badly burned man.  Unfortunately, he died later.

Tadley PC Stephen Antrobus will receive the Royal Humane Society’s Resuscitation Certificate.

Sergeant Jeffrey Bird and PC Mark Potter, both from Andover, will receive the Royal Humane Society Honorary Testimonial on Parchment.

Also to be honoured is Cadet Lance Corporal Jade Redding, of the Army Cadet Force.

Others attending the ceremony with Mrs Fagan are Hampshire’s Chief Constable, the Chairman of the County Council, a representative of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society and a Humane Society member, Lt Col Gordon Birdwood.