Basildon mum full of praised for town's firefighters

Basildon resident Bianca Harris, 29, is full of praise for Basildon’s fire crews after they cut her four-year-old daughter free from an escalator in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

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Young Scarlett, 4, got her shoe caught in the foot of the escalator and had to be helped by firefighters – who bought a teddy from a nearby shop for her to keep the youngster calm as they worked.

Mum, Presley and Scarlett (Image: Bianca Harris)

“It was very traumatic for her,” Bianca said.

“Fortunately her foot wasn’t badly damaged, she did have a bad cut, but she was wearing wellies she was protected from real damage.

“She was very lucky to come away unscathed but was shaken up as you can imagine.”

Mum, Presley and Scarlett (Image: Bianca Harris)

Ms Harris had planned to buy a card to say thank you to the firefighters but while in town last week decided instead to pop by to do so in person.

“I thought I would just ring the doorbell and say thank you,” Ms Harris explained.

“Amazingly, they invited us in and gave us a tour of the station and a fire engine. They were all so genuine and kind.

She added: “They really went above and beyond getting her that teddy bear. It’s the little things, isn’t it? They didn’t have to do that, it’s not their job, but they went out of their way to calm Scarlett down.”

Scarlett and her 18-month-old brother Presley had a great time in the station, learning about the equipment and sitting up front in a fire engine.

“They even gave us a quick ride with the sirens and lights on. My little girl and son were so amazed,” Mrs Harris added.

“I just really wanted to say a massive thank to all the firefighters for their hard work, and how well they handled the situation with my daughter and how lucky we were to get to have a look at the fire engine and have a ride!”