Hero police officers in West Lothian are being recognised for their lifesaving acts of bravery after they saved an abducted baby from a horrific drug den.
The team rescued the baby from a notorious drugs den in Fauldhouse, fighting off aggressive drug users and a dangerous dog.
PCs Aidan McAllister, Graeme Alasdair Sewell and Kyle Whitlaw are among those up within Police Scotland for an award.
The brave officers responded to reports of an intoxicated male wandering late at night while holding a baby in Fauldhouse last September.
It emerged he had snuck into the home of an ex-partner, removed the baby and taken it to a property popular among local drug users. The team arrived knowing there would be trouble, as the owner had “an obsession with firearms and knives”, a dangerous dog was registered at the property, and shouting and banging could be heard from outside.
However, rescuing the baby was the priority.
An aggressive male answered the door, accompanied by a large Alsatian, and attempted to stop the officers from entering.
But the PCs forced their way past and found the crying baby, who was inside the “pitch black” house which was strewn with knives, bats and other weapons.
After they took the child to safety, the suspect became aggressive and two of the officers were injured in the struggle while other drug users watched on.
He was subsequently charged with a range of crimes, and the baby was returned to its mother.
Across Scotland, a total of 29 officers, including constables, sergeants, detectives and inspectors, have been shortlisted in six categories for the Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards which take place this week.
David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Reading through the nominations for this year’s awards is a humbling experience and demonstrates the extraordinary bravery and commitment shown by our officers.
“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous, and none of us should ever take what they do for granted.
“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again.
“We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “The bravery, dedication, skill and professionalism of our officers is hugely impressive and I thank the Scottish Police Federation for shining a light on some of their outstanding work.
“These awards are an important night in the policing calendar, when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service.
“I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.”
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