'Hero' police catch children dropped from burning building

Footage from police body-worn cameras has captured a dramatic rescue operation at a burning apartment block in Des Moines, Iowa.

In a Facebook post, Des Moines Police said they responded to a fire at the building early on Tuesday morning, but were unable to access the third floor due to heavy smoke.

In order to rescue the occupants, four officers positioned themselves outside the building and caught children who were dropped from the windows.

In the video, an officer can be heard shouting to a hysterical woman to drop her children to safety.

All residents were eventually escorted to safety.

See the incredible footage in the video above.