A MOTHER has praised the police officers who rescued her two children from their blazing home.
Barbara Gardner, 27, of Galsworthy Road, Biddick Hall, South Shields, was watching television with her friend, Karen Paul, when a fire broke out in the bathroom.
Ms Paul ran out and flagged down PCs Alan Gordon, 32, and Claire Brown, 29, who were driving past.
PC Gordon said: "I immediately started up the stairs, but was beaten back by thick smoke.
"I then climbed on to a canopy above the front door and smashed the bedroom window with my truncheon."
PC Gordon climbed in and found one-year-old Abigale and Shama-Jane, two.
He passed them to PC Brown.
The officers were taken with the children to South Tyneside District Hospital, and treated for smoke inhalation.
Ms Gardner said: "If it had not been for them my bairns would be dead."
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