A Carmarthenshire police officer who fought off flames to rescue a man trapped in his burning car has been recognised for his immense bravery.

Police Constable Jonathan Tatam disregarded his own safety to help save the man’s life, whose car had caught on fire following a road-traffic collision with a tractor.

Without hesitation “natural instinct and adrenaline kicked in” and Jonathan ran back to the police car, retrieved a fire extinguisher and heroically rushed back towards the blaze.

He managed to suppress the fire long enough to reach the trapped individual, whose leg was pinned under the dashboard.

With flames re-igniting and time running out, Jonathan courageously pulled the man out of the car and dragged him to safety before the vehicle was fully engulfed by fire.

Thanks to Jonathan’s quick-thinking, immense courage and service to policing, he was presented with a bravery award, which was sponsored by Niche, at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards.

Jonathan, who has only been an officer for three years, said: “I knew it was time critical, I could hear popping and bangs, which was probably the tyres exploding. I don’t know what was going through my head, but I knew I had to get the man away from the car as quickly as possible and dragged him down the road with my colleague who performed first aid.”

He continued: “It is lovely to be recognised so early on in my policing career and I thank everyone who has supported me. I didn’t expect to be nominated let alone win an award, I was just doing my job.”