THESE ARE the brave bobbies who plucked a woman from the icy water of Barking Creek in a daring rescue attempt, writes KAREN MOSS. Hero officers Sgt Rob Bell and PC Richard Heapy jumped into the river after the woman, who had threatened to commit suicide.
THESE ARE the brave bobbies who plucked a woman from the icy water of Barking Creek in a daring rescue attempt, writes KAREN MOSS.
Hero officers Sgt Rob Bell and PC Richard Heapy jumped into the river after the woman, who had threatened to commit suicide.
She called 999 earlier that night and said she would throw herself from a bridge, but would not give her location.
Units were sent to find her shortly after midnight on January 23 and the officers quickly spotted the woman sitting on a bridge in London Road, between Tesco and Halfords.
Sgt Bell and PC Heapy tried to talk her down but despite their efforts she dropped into the freezing water.
Sgt Bell immediately jumped in and swam over to the drowning woman - PC Heapy also jumped into the creek to help the pair to safety.
Borough Commander Matt Bell said: "My officers jumped into the freezing waters of the creek without a moment's thought for their own safety.
"These officers deserve the highest praise for their quick thinking and heroic actions. They are a credit to the police service and will be recommended for commendation.
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