by Emma Grove

egrove@thekmgroup.co.uk

A policeman has been nominated for an award after jumping into action following a four-car smash on the Sheppey Crossing.

PC Carl Dean was already on the bridge dealing with a broken-down vehicle when rubberneckers caused a pile-up on the other side last Monday.

He reacted quickly, rushing over the central reservation to check on the drivers before one of the cars caught alight.

PC Dean ran back to his patrol car, grabbed a fire extinguisher and was able to put out the blaze before it engulfed the whole car.

The 24-year-old, who is based at Sittingbourne police station, has been nominated for an Area Commander's Award.

PC Dean explained he and a colleague were dealing with the broken-down car on the inside lane of the Sittingbourne-bound side of the bridge when there was a loud bang, a crash and skidding.

He said a driver had been looking at what was going on, swerved across the carriageway and caused fours cars behind it to slam on the brakes and crash - either into each other or the central reservation.

He said: "As soon as I saw the accident I was worried about the people's safety and if there were any real injuries."

PC Dean checked the drivers of three of the cars, who he said were fine just a bit shocked, and made his way to the fourth car.

The driver, who had muscular dystrophy, was unable to get out, but PC Dean and a bystander were able to drag him out of the car.

PC Dean then phoned the fire service as he thought the car was going to go up in flames as it had started smoking.

His colleague called out that there was a fire extinguisher in the police car and PC Dean ran back up the bridge to meet him halfway before returning to the car to put out the fire.

He added: "The cars that caused the accident had left, not looking behind them at the havoc that was unleashed.

"My training took over - we are here to do a service to the people.

"It's nice to be recognised for the hard work that we do but I'm quite surprised - I was just doing my job.

"We never know what situation we are going into but it's the first time a road accident has happened in front of me."

• PC Dean will find out if he has been successful in winning the award at the ceremony at Leeds Castle in March.