A hero copper could be in line for a commendation after arresting a man who threatened to set fire to a petrol station.

PC Warren Sturgeon and PC Ben Aveling were called to the Esso petrol station, in Bexleyheath Broadway, near the Golden Lion pub, and found an extremely agitated 34-year-old man on the forecourt.

He was holding a petrol pump nozzle in one hand and a lighter in the other and threatening to flood the forecourt with petrol and set it alight.

While PC Aveling went to ensure the petrol pumps had been turned off and secured the forecourt to prevent people getting close, PC Sturgeon began talking to the man who was constantly squeezing the handle of the nozzle, allowing petrol to seep out.

The brave officer then distracted the distraught man by asking him a question.

He said: "He turned his head slightly for a couple of seconds, taking his eyes off the nozzle, so I made my move."

PC Sturgeon, 22, dived at the man, grabbing the hand with the lighter to prevent him from using it and then forced the man to the ground, making him release the nozzle.

PC Sturgeon, who has been a police officer for nearly three years, added: "Potentially, it could have been disastrous. It was 5.30pm on a Saturday night.

"The forecourt was full, so was the garage shop and people were queuing at the cash machine. And there were lots of people walking past in the Broadway.

"There was a very strong smell of petrol and I thought if he used the lighter, the fumes alone would be enough to ignite.

"I had visions of television news film of the recent disaster in Germany where an explosion in a garage caused destruction for a couple of miles."

The two PCs could now be in line for a commendation for their bravery.

Superintendent John Powell told News Shopper: "There is no doubt these officers acted with outstanding bravery. Not only did they save one person's life but they also averted a potential major disaster which would surely have happened had this man carried out his threats."

The man has now been charged with attempted criminal damage with intent to endanger life.

January 28, 2003 10:00