BBC News | WALES | Straw praises officers' bravery

Two Welsh policemen will be commended for their courage when they meet the Home Secretary at Westminster on Monday.

Inspector Victor Cliffe and Constable John Clare from North Wales Police were called to a domestic incident in Flint on 17 February, 1998.

Both men showed extreme courage in a very difficult situation.

In the incident, a man was said to have been violent towards his wife and was threatening to blow up himself and the house.

The officers tried to negotiate with the man but realised that he was attempting to pull out a gas pipe.

House in Flint, north Wales which was destroyed in a gas blast

The house in Flint was destroyed in the blast

A gas engineer was called but as he was turning off the gas, there was an explosion, and a fireball sent the officers flying through the air.

Both received burns to their arms and face.

The pair will be among 13 officers and one civilian who received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery over the last 18 months.

Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "A day in the life of a police officer is never routine or dull.

"The officers present - together with one civilian helicopter pilot - have all shown exceptional bravery as they went about their daily tasks.

"We should all be grateful to those who risk their lives to protect others, sometimes regardless of the personal danger to themselves.

"I am delighted to have had the opportunity to thank, face to face, these Queen's Awards recipients for making our communities a safer place to live," added Mr Straw.


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