A Sussex police officer was today hailed a hero after diving into a smoke-filled flat and dragging out an unconscious pensioner.

Fire and ambulance crews who arrived seconds after PC James Williamson at the flat in Furnace Parade, Furnace Green, Crawley, yesterday afternoon say he saved the man's life.

PC Williamson, 30, who has been a police officer for four years, was in a patrol car in Furnace Green when an emergency call was made saying a man was crying for help in the sheltered block of flats.

As he drew up outside he heard cries of help coming from the flat, which was filling with smoke. He kicked open the door and was immediately met with a wall of smoke. Taking a deep breath, and with smoke filling his eyes, he managed to find the 68-year-old man lying on the floor.

He dragged him outside, where an ambulance crew resuscitated the rescued man and gave PC Williamson treatment. The rescued man was taken to Crawley Hospital, where he was detained overnight.

Acting Sergeant John Thornley-Gibson said: "We are all very proud of PC Williamson. He acted quickly and undoubtedly saved this man's life."

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