THREE police officers who rescued a man from his blazing home are being nominated for a bravery award.

Newport police officers PCs David James, John Jefferies and Mark Morgan pulled Martin Lewis, 41, from his burning home in Glassworks Cottages, Crindau.

They were called to the blazing house at 2.45am on Thursday, March 7. The Argus revealed last week how Bettws-based PC James had been the victim of an horrific attack just two years earlier, when a youth threw a petrol bomb which exp-loded near him, leaving him with serious burns to his neck and arms.

Now his local councillor Noel Trigg has written to both the Bettws Inspector Dave Johnson and the managing director of Newport council, Chris Freegard, calling for all three officers to receive bravery awards.

Councillor Trigg said: "This was bravery of the highest order, and, I feel, warrants recognition.

"PC James, especially, was involved in the rescue not long after he had been the subject of an horrific attack in Bettws, when he had a firebomb thrown at him and suffered injuries.

"It took a lot of courage for all three officers to act in this way, and at a time when the police are easy targets for society in general, they are surely deserving of a bravery award.

"I hope you agree with me that these officers showed bravery beyond the call of duty and should be recognised in the appropriate manner."

Following the incident, Bettws Inspector Dave Johnson also commended his officers for their bravery.

Inspector Johnson told the Argus: "I commend these men, who acted coolly and professionally in what was a very dangerous situation.

"They did not think about their own safety and realised they had to act quickly." A council spokeswoman confirmed they had received Councillor Trigg's letter, although Mr Freegard is currently on holiday.

Shane Ross Thompson, 25, of Ombersley Road, Newport, has been charged with attempted murder, reckless arson and theft, following the incident, and is currently in custody.

*PICTURED: PCs Dave James, Mark Morgan and John Jefferies.