Brave firefighter receives top award

A FIREFIGHTING hero has been commended for his outstanding courage and bravery for coming to the rescue of a woman and her toddler.

Firefighter Matthew Lloyd from West Hampstead fire station was awarded the Borough Commander's Commendation at Wembley Police Station last week after he saved a young woman and her two-year-old son from an attack by an aggressive black youth in September last year.

Matthew risked life and limb to protect the woman and child from being repeatedly assaulted by the thug, who was chasing them down Priory Park Road in Kilburn, with two other youths.

Despite having his nose broken in the attack, the brave hero stood his ground until the attacker ran away.

The thug was subsequently arrested and jailed for these offences.

Brent Borough Commander, Mark Toland said: "This commendation is a great opportunity to acknowledge the good work of firefighter Matthew Lloyd.

"His certificate was awarded for outstanding courage and bravery while protecting a vulnerable female and child from an extremely violent individual."

Matthew had intervened in the thug's attack on the woman, who had grabbed her and dragged her along the pavement, by positioning himself between the pair and preventing a further assault.

The suspect eventually ran away from the scene while the female victim and her son were taken by police to a place of safety, while Firefighter Lloyd was taken to the Royal Free Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

West Hampstead Station Commander Glen Gorman said: "Matthew's actions were over and above the requirements of a firefighter and I am very proud of him."

Matthew said: "I am very pleased to receive this commendation. My friends at the station told me it was a big award and such an achievement. I was so excited that I kept telling all my friends and family about it.