A police dog handler who rescued two people from a burning building has been honoured for his efforts.

PC Eric Wells has been given a Queen's Commendation for Bravery following the incident in April.

PC Wells was on routine patrol when he spotted smoke and flames billowing from a house in Millers Road, Brighton.

He raised the alarm and a man escaped through the front door, which locked behind him. PC Wells then forced the door open but was beaten back by smoke and flames.

PC Wells spotted two women banging on a window and shouting for help and used a stepladder to smash the window and help the women get out.

He said: "I was honoured and very surprised when I heard about the commendation. I was simply doing my job and it was something that any other officer would have done.

"I feel this award is for everyone on the force. I am very proud."

PC Wells, 37, who has been an officer for 18 years, suffered minor burns and cuts as a result of the blaze and was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton before being discharged.

Three women and a man were also taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.

PC Wells's dogs George, a German shepherd, and Neo, a springer spaniel, were left in his van while he dealt with the blaze.

He received a commendation from Sussex Police earlier this year.

Inspector Jason Hazzard said at the time of the incident in April: "There is no doubt in my mind that the quick thinking and bravery of PC Wells led to the lives of these women being saved.

"It is not every day that police officers rescue people from burning buildings."

Other recipients of the Queen's Commendation include officers Simon Ford and Steven Bowen of Hampshire Police who attempted to prevent a man setting fire to himself and civilian Rondrick Springer, who died after trying to rescue children trapped in a fire in Stoke Newington, London.

Firefighters Michael Miller and Jeffrey Wornham, who died battling to save a woman trapped in a burning building in Stevenage in 2005, were awarded the George Medal for their efforts.

Off duty firefighter Angus Campbell, who challenged a terror suspect during the attempted bombings on the London Underground on July 21, 2005, has also been honoured with the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his actions.

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