Praise for off-duty cop who rescued toddler from railway tracks

Lewisham-based Detective Sergeant Cary Gawley received the commendation at a ceremony at the British Medical Association in Tavistock Square on Friday.

DS Gawley, was waiting for a train at London Bridge Station in January 2012 when he heard a commotion on platform 2 and went to assist.

When he got there he found a toddler, who had been leaving the train with his grandparents, had fallen between the train and the platform after missing his step.

With little thought for his own safety and not knowing if the train was going to move, DS Gawley reached down and pulled the boy from underneath the train and back up onto the platform.

Commending the officer for his brave actions, British Transport Police chief constable Andy Trotter said: "This award ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate those who responded above and beyond the call of duty.

"What DS Gawley did that day showed true willingness and professionalism to assist in an emergency.

"He demonstrated outstanding bravery and I'm proud to be able to commend him for his actions."

DS Gawley said: "I am very happy to receive the commendation and it is really nice to be recognised by BTP for my actions.

"I'm sure I have done what anyone else would have done, but I'm thankful to have acted so quickly in getting the boy from under the train and safely back up to the platform."