Hero officers rescue stolen baby from dangerous drug den dog in West Lothian

Hero police officers rescued a stolen baby from a drugs den while fighting off a dangerous dog in West Lothian.

PCs Aidan McAllister, Graeme Sewell and Kyle Whitelaw responded to reports of an intoxicated man wandering late at night while holding a baby in Fauldhouse in September 2023.

During the incident, the officers had to force their way past an “aggressive” Alsatian dog but eventually found the baby crying inside the “pitch black” house strewn with knives, bats and other weapons.

It emerged the man had snuck into the home of an ex-partner, removed the baby and taken it to a property popular among local drug users.

After they took the child to safety, the suspect became aggressive and two of the officers were injured in the struggle while other drug users watched on.

The man was charged with a range of crimes, and the baby was returned to its mother.

Chief constable Jo Farrell praised their “bravery, dedication, skill and professionalism”.

The officers have been nominated for the team bravery prize at a special awards Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards.

They have been nominated alongside 29 Scottish officers, including constables, sergeants, detectives, and inspectors, who have been shortlisted for their lifesaving acts of bravery and commitment to their communities.

PCs Kevin Grant, Chloe Hynes, William McLevy and Claire Melia from Glasgow have also been nominated after they formed a human chain to save an intoxicated woman from the River Clyde.

The officers were first on the scene after a woman was seen holding on to a tree to keep her head above the surface on New Year’s Day.

(L-R) Claire Melia, William McLevy, Chloe Hynes. Police Scotland

After getting her safely to shore, all four officers were admitted to hospital, with colleagues praising their “heroic actions” that had undoubtedly saved her life.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said the nominations demonstrate the “extraordinary” bravery and commitment shown by officers.

“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous, and none of us should ever take what they do for granted,” he said.

“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again.”

He added: “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.”

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “These awards are an important night in the policing calendar when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service.

“I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.”