A police officer has been officially commended for rescuing a toddler from being hit by a HGV lorry.
Police Constable Sarah Evans, based at Ealing , was awarded with a certificate of commendation during a ceremony at New Scotland Yard on July 4.
The distribution of certificates, which takes place on a quarterly basis, recognises officers and members of the public who display exceptional bravery, tenacity, leadership or professionalism.
Ms Evans was walking to her car parked on Uxbridge Road after a shift at Southall police station on April 10 when she noticed a young child at the back of a parked car.
The Metropolitan Police officer, who was off duty, was on the phone when she noticed the toddler walking into the lanes of a dual carriageway.
PC Evans dropped her phone and ran into the road to save the child in the path of an advancing HGV lorry.
On returning the child to the pavement, the officer collapsed in the road having seriously injured her knee.
Colleagues watched in despair as the HGV lorry only just managed to stop before hitting her.
Ms Evans was dragged to safety by colleagues and the London Ambulance Service came and took her to hospital.
After scans at the hospital the doctors explained she had a serious fracture, and they needed to operate immediately.
The surgery took place the next morning, and Ms Evans had a metal plate and five large screws implanted in her knee.
On receiving her commendation, Ms Evans said: “I believe my actions were not only my duty as a police officer but also my duty as a human being.
“I am sure that anyone else who was in my position at the time would have done exactly the same.”
Ealing Borough Commander Nev Nolan said: “The actions that PC Evans took show not only her bravery but also her ability to think quickly in a pressurised situation.
“She was off duty at the time but acted without any thought for her own safety, to assist in saving the toddler from serious injury.”
