Officers who helped save lives on night of pub blaze recognised in Parliament

Two police officers who helped evacuate New Year's Eve revellers during a fire at Acton's Aeronaut pub have been honoured in Parliament.

Ben Jacques and Pablo Robins had been on duty next door at Acton station when the blaze broke out. With no regards for his own safety Ben rushed into the building and through the thick smoke heard cries for help from a trapped young woman who he guided out to safety - outside Pablo dealt with the shocked and injured.

Presenting their awards the Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq said ''Without the brave interventions and dedication of Ben and Pablo there is no doubt that lives would have been lost in the fire, which gutted the venue.

“This was a celebration of the important work our local Police Service do each and every day. These are real life superheroes. They may not wear capes but they get up daily and put on uniform, run towards danger when the rest of us run away from it and often go above and beyond their duty in the line of their work.''

Marketing Director for The Aeronaut, Dan Hills, told ActonW3.com, ''We are very proud of the manager and staff of the Aeronaut whom, by enacting the robust procedures that had been put in place for just such an emergency, were able to evacuate the building in around 90 seconds. Their professionalism and level headedness ensured that everyone of our customers left the building quickly and safely.  Although rebuilding works have not yet commenced, we are still hoping to be open by the back end of the year.''

The pub has been closed for rebuilding since the fire and is expected to take some time yet.

The most recent update on the website reads, ''The Aeronaut is currently closed while we rebuild. Progress is good, but it’s a big job.''

27th April 2017 (updated)