Father and son honoured for saving two children from burning building

A father and son have been commended by police after they saved two children from a burning building.

Rory and Andrew Macgregor, aged 63 and 25, were honoured at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

The ceremony honours members of the public who have placed themselves in harm’s way, protected others, prevented a crime or assisted police.

The pair heard screaming coming from a burning building in Methven in Perth and Kinross in August 2023.

They then entered the building and saved both children.

They also came across two injured people as they searched the property.

One of the two tragically lost their life as a result of the fire.

The Macgregors were awarded gold medals for their bravery at the event, which took place in Sheffield on Thursday.

Another gold medallist was Karen Dunnet, who rescued a driver and passenger from a burning car near Dolphington, South Lanarkshire, in August 2023.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment, having survived due to Ms Dunnet’s actions.

Alan Wallace received a silver medal after rescuing a man from a loch in Campbeltown in November 2023.

He followed the man into the water, where he had gotten into difficulty due to the high tide, and managed to drag him back to shore.

Chief constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards as honorary secretary, said: “Rory and Andrew’s immense bravery and selflessness, and Karen and Alan’s rapid thinking and courageous actions, undoubtedly saved multiple lives.

“Their actions exemplify why we host these awards every year.

“Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness. They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.

“This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”

Assistant chief constable Lynn Ratcliff attended the awards on behalf of Police Scotland.

She said: “The selfless actions of Rory, Andrew, Karen and Alan in such tragic and stressful circumstances demonstrate enormous compassion and bravery.

“They chose to put themselves in harm’s way to help others in their time of need, and that takes tremendous courage.

“I am delighted and proud that they have been given gold medals at the Police Public Bravery Awards, and offer them my thanks and congratulations.”