01/08/2012

Police Save Woman From Thames

Two police officers who jumped into the River Thames to rescue a woman fallen into the water at Thamesmead have been praised for their actions.

Bexley Borough Commander Victor Olisa said: "The selfless bravery of the officers, combined with their calm actions, prevented what could easily have turned into a tragedy.

"Their actions represent the best of the Metropolitan Police Service, all of whose officers take an oath to preserve life - and that's exactly what these officers did. I am immensely proud of them."

Police were called at approx 20:20hrs on Sunday 29 July to reports of a woman in the River Thames at Thamesmead.

PC Jason Campbell, 37, and PC Stefen Rule, 34, attended the scene and saw a woman struggling in the river.

The officers quickly determined that she was being carried away by the flow of the river and leapt in to rescue her. They swam some 40 metres before reaching her and pulling her to safety.

The woman, aged 30, was treated by the ambulance service at the scene before being taken to hospital as a precaution.

PC Campbell said: "When we arrived, we could see that the woman was clearly struggling in the water and as we swam towards her she was beginning to disappear under the surface. Our priority was to get to her as soon as possible, keep her afloat and as calm as possible until help arrived at the riverbank."

(GK)

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