TWO police officers have been praised for their bravery after breaking into a burning house to help rescue a family.

PC Steve Hackett and Special Constable Paul Morrison were called to a fire at a flat in Redmond Road, Red House, Sunderland, where people were reported trapped.

They arrived shortly after 2am yesterday to find a man leaning out of a window shouting that there were children trapped inside.

The officers broke into the flat and led Gillian Bates, 34, and her four children to safety.

Firefighters then rescued Gillian's partner, Stephen Burnand, 26, with a ladder.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus then tackled the blaze, which had been caused by an overheated chip pan.

The family and two officers were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where they were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Chief Inspector John Brady said Special Constable Morrison had volunteered to be on duty because the shift was short of manpower.

He said: "The officers responded extremely quickly and put aside their own safety to carry out their duty.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade's Fulwell station said: "The police did a good job to get the people out."

The two officers will be nominated for a Royal Humane Society award.