A courageous officer from the Met has been praised for his actions after running into a blazing building to save the lives of more than a dozen people.

The Force has revealed that PC Matt Hill was the first response officer on the scene at a fire that had taken hold of a large grocer’s shop in Ilford, east London.

And realising that people were trapped in a first-floor flat above the store, he acted without hesitation to run into the smoke-filled building and get them out.

He found the front rooms were ablaze as he reached the top of the stairs – but with the help of two members of the public he led some 15 residents to safety down the fire escape.

Ilford-based PC Hill recalled: "When I arrived and realised that people were trapped, my instincts took over. The priority was to get everyone out as quickly as possible."

The 39-year-old added: “All those rescued were ushered into police carriers to keep warm before being taken to local authority accommodation.”

Colleagues have praised the courage and exceptional initiative of the officer.

Insp Paul Vear said: "The actions of PC Hill and the two members of the public, saved lives. They went into a blazing building with the purpose of helping those trapped."

Ch Supt Sue Williams, from Redbridge Borough, added: "I am proud of of PC Hill. Police officers carry out acts of bravery every day but this was not an everyday occurrence."