Teenager praised for rescuing toddler on busy road

Nicholas was presented with a Local Police Commander Recognition Certificate for his actions

A teenager has been praised by police after he rescued a lost toddler who was wandering across a roundabout at a busy road junction.

Nicholas Podsedkowski, 16, was returning from his break when he spotted the two-year-old boy near his school in Dumfries.

The teenager rushed across the road to grab the child and take him to safety before going to the nearest police station, where the toddler was later reunited with his parents.

Dumfries police awarded Nicholas an official commendation in recognition of his quick-thinking and community spirit.

Nicholas told the BBC "I thought it was something that had to be done"

Nicholas told the BBC he had been on the way back to school on 24 September when he noticed some cars stopping for a green light.

"I remember seeing this little toddler running right in the middle of the roundabout with oncoming cars," he said.

"I saw him and just dropped my bag and I had to jump over this little fence and I just ran after him."

The teenager said he had acted instinctively to get the child out of danger and back to the safety of the pavement.

With the help of a passer-by, Nicholas looked for the child's parents before taking him to the police station.

A short time later the child's parent, realising his son was missing, flagged down a passing police car.

Police were able to reassure him his son was safe and they were reunited soon after.

'I hope this promotes people looking out for others'

Nicholas said he didn't think his actions were such a big thing that he would get recognition from the police.

"I thought it was something that had to be done," he said.

He said he was shocked that drivers had seen the toddler running on the road and just decided to drive past and not stop.

"I hope this promotes people looking out for others and not just ignoring it and driving by, leaving it for someone else," the 16-year-old said.

"It should just be normal, human courtesy, to check up and see if the child's ok and not just leaving or ignoring the issue."

Ch Supt Steven Meikle, who presented the award to the teenager, said: "I was pleased to meet with Nicholas and his family and thank him personally for his actions. Well done Nicholas!"