Smoke filled the corridors and guests were trapped inside as flames ripped through the Holiday Inn Express in Balby, Doncaster. On 26 January 2026, South Yorkshire Police arrived at the blazing hotel – and two officers didn’t wait for backup. PCs Warren Crowcroft and Rowan Burnett stormed straight into the inferno.
Brave Officers Battle Blaze and Rescue Guests
The two officers forced open a door to the flaming room, facing intense heat and roaring flames head-on. Armed only with fire extinguishers, they battled the fire themselves. When the blaze grew too fierce, they switched to a priority mission – evacuating every guest, floor by floor, room by room, as thick smoke spread.
Arsonist Arrested, No Injuries Reported
While the evacuation was underway, PC Burnett tracked down and arrested a 32-year-old man now charged with arson. Astonishingly, no one was hurt during the terrifying ordeal.
“The outcome could have been very different without their decisive actions,” said Sergeant Hannah Cox, praising the officers’ bravery.
Charging into a burning hotel is no ordinary police duty. But for PCs Crowcroft and Burnett, it’s the courage and commitment of emergency service heroes.
