A team of nine Metropolitan Police officers has been commended for their bravery and quick action after rescuing trapped residents from a blazing hostel in Euston.
Fire Breaks Out in Five-Storey Hostel
The fire started in the early hours of Saturday (February 8), engulfing the five-storey building, which housed around 20 people, including many tourists.
Met officers were the first emergency responders on the scene, arriving to find thick smoke filling the basement and rising through the building.
Police Enter Smoke-Filled Basement to Save Residents
Before London Fire Brigade arrived, officers bravely entered the basement, locating disoriented and trapped individuals struggling to find their way out. They calmly led them to safety, ensuring as many people as possible were evacuated.
- Sergeant Pete Day used fire extinguishers to slow the blaze.
- Constable Luke Uzzell forced entry into smoke-filled rooms to check for trapped individuals.
- The remaining officers searched the upper floors, providing clear evacuation directions and ensuring that injured individuals received immediate medical care from London Ambulance Service paramedics.
Praise for Officers’ Bravery
Commander Peter Stevens praised the officers for risking their lives to protect others, calling their actions “outstanding”.
**“Each and every day Met officers put their lives in danger 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.”**
Casualties and Aftermath
A total of 12 people—including three members of the public and all nine officers—were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, all have since been discharged.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine what sparked the blaze.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
