A police officer waded into a north London river to save a nine-year-old boy just days after another child tragically died in the Thames.
Three members of the Met went to the River Brent near Studland Road, Hanwell, on Saturday after receiving a crisis 999 call, according to statement on Monday.
Police sergeant Yusuf Hassaniyeh, police community support officer James Tupman and police constable Lee Dahir attended to find the child in waist-deep water.
“Sergeant Hassaniyeh entered the water to rescue the child and ensure that he was safely transferred into the care of ambulance colleagues with the assistance of PCSO Tupman and PC Dahir,” a Met spokesperson said.
The boy was reunited with family members and had not suffered any ill-effects from the ordeal.
Sergeant Hassaniyeh said: “When the call was circulated, there was no hesitation.
“We knew that every second counted, and we were determined to reach the child before it was too late.”
Acting chief inspector Jonathon Hubbard added: "Their bravery exemplifies the finest qualities of the police service.
"We are immensely proud of their actions, which may well have saved a child’s life.”
The incident happened shortly after missing five-year-old boy Daniel Alaby was found in the Thames after going missing from his house in Thamesmead on Friday.
Police administered CPR before the paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Daniel’s family have been made aware and are being supported by police officers.
In February, a five-year-old girl died after falling into Regent’s Canal in Angel.
