Three people trapped by a flat fire in Paisley were saved by two hero cops. 

Constables Jordan Loughrey and Claire Coleman, both based at Paisley Police Station, have been praised for their life-saving bravery. 

The PCs saw smoke coming from a common stairwell in Netherhill Road around 7.45pm on Saturday, July 25. 

They had just finished responding to an incident in Belmont Road during which four of their colleagues were injured. 

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with that incident, but as the constables were leaving the area they noticed the smoke. 

They discovered upstairs residents calling for help and rushed to help them. 

PC Loughrey, who is aged 27 and a probationer with one years' service, said: “I just reacted. I saw the people trapped upstairs and the flames.

"We alerted the Control Room who, in turn, alerted fire service and they were already on their way. I grabbed the fire extinguisher from the police car and just went in.

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"I was worried about the smoke and for the safety of the people upstairs.”

PC Coleman, aged 39 with 13 years' service, said: “It was one of the most challenging situations I’ve ever faced in my service.

"We chanced upon it so didn’t have much time to prepare ourselves. Our response was a natural reaction, we simply couldn’t stand back and watch.

"Jordan tackled the flames, which were blazing, while I ran upstairs to evacuate the occupants.

"On reaching the stairwell the smoke was overwhelming. I couldn’t see my hand in front of me and had to feel my way up the wall to reach the doors of each flat.

"It was frightening for sure, but I’m just glad we were there to help and that no one was injured.”

The fire was later deemed accidental. 

Superintendent Derek Lang from Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division said: "Thanks to the vigilance of Constables Coleman and Loughrey everyone escaped the fire safely.

"Their complete lack of hesitation to help people in need is to be commended and shows the absolute best of policing.

"Earlier in their shift, they'd assisted four of their colleagues who had been hurt in the course of their duties.

"We must never forget the risks faced by police on a day-to-day basis, as well as the professionalism and bravery our officers show in the face of violence or danger."