Two hero police officers who helped rescue a 17-year-old girl from the scene of a fatal car crash in Stevenage have been saluted by the chief constable.

PC Jess Berg and PC Luke Morley were quickly on the scene after a car hit a road sign in Lytton Way on December 14, 2016, outside Stevenage Police Station.

The girl, who had been in the passenger seat, was seriously injured. Nineteen-year-old Bryce Donovan, who had been driving, tragically died at the scene from his injuries.

PC Berg and PC Morley have now been commended by Herts’ chief constable Charlie Hall for their outstanding quick thinking and professionalism in very traumatic circumstances.

PC Berg, 28, was just leaving the station after a late shift when she witnessed the crash. She immediately ran to help, calling the fire service as she saw their specialist equipment would be needed.

“It had been a long day but as soon as I saw the crash I felt immediately that I had to help,” she said.

“Witnessing a collision is horrible but as a police officer, your first thought is to make sure everyone is safe so I took action.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have received this award. I am very lucky to work alongside such a great team of officers who all deserve credit for their actions in relation to this horrific incident.”

PC Morley came to help PC Berg and together they helped to remove the 17-year-old, as they were concerned the vehicle was going to ignite.

PC Morley, 29, said: “It was a massive team effort involving all the emergency services working together. Our whole team came out to help even though we were off duty at that point.

“Helping people is what we as police officers are there for and I’m glad that Jess and I were able to remove the young lady from the vehicle safely. Receiving this award for our efforts is very special and really means a lot.”

PC Berg and PC Morley received their awards at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City last week.

The chief constable also commended Det Con Wendy Tomlinson, Det Sgt David Sharpe and Det Con Jo-Ann Kerr for their work investigating the disappearance and murder of author Helen Bailey in Royston.

Ms Bailey was murdered by her fiancé Ian Stewart, originally from Letchworth, who was jailed for at least 34 years last February.