TWO police officers who saved a man from burning to death and prevented a petrol station from exploding have been saluted for their courage.

PCs Shane Robinson and Keith Lucas, from Southend’s policing team, received the Police Federation Award for Bravery yesterday at a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron and Home SecretaryTheresa May.

The heroes tackled a man who set himself alight at the BP garage, in London Road, Westcliff, and stopped the fire speading.

PC Robinson still sees the man, but has never let on it was he who saved his life.

The officer said: “It was just one of those jobs we think will never happen and when it does right in front of you, you don’t think, you just act on instinct and do the best you can.

“I will never forget it. I have probably done more dangerous things in my career, like tackling people with knives, but this got highlighted. It’s nice to have the recognition.

“I know the man had lifechanging injuries. He still lives in the Southend area. I speak to him but he doesn’t know it was me. Hopefully, he is grateful.”

The incident happened at about 3am on Friday, December 28, 2012.

The man turned into a human fireball after dousing himself in petrol and setting it alight.

He was engulfed by flames.

The officers got him to drop to the floor. PC Robinson removed his fleece, and began to beat out the flames.

There was a very real fear the blaze would spread and ignite the entire garage and PC Robinson continued to try to smother the flames.

Firefighters stepped in and put out the the blaze, but had it not been for the courage and determination of PCs Robinson and Lucas, the outcome could have been very different.

Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “These brave officers do not realise what they did.

“To them, it was just another job. I am incredibly proud of them.

“This incident just goes to show policing is a job like no other.”

The lawmen were handed the award for the southern region.

The regional winners were whittled down from a shortlist of 66 nominees from 31 forces around the UK.