A police officer dived into the Mersey to rescue a woman who tried to take her own life.
Two Merseyside Police officers were recognised yesterday at an awards ceremony for their bravery after saving a woman who tried to take her own life. Constables Alex Crawford and Graeme Hurd responded to an emergency call after a concerned taxi driver reported a woman standing on the wrong side of the railings next to Liverpool Cruise Terminal.
While on route to the terminal the woman jumped into the Mersey. The tide was high and the strong current had started to pull the woman out to sea. Constable Crawford removed his body armour and equipment, and risking his own safety, jumped into the water after her.
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Constable Hurd alerted the coastguard and ambulance services but both officers realised help would not be there in time. Constable Crawford was struggling to lift the woman out the water but Constable Hurd was able to drag them both to safety and administer first aid.
A police spokesperson said: "Thanks to the officers' bravery, the woman's life was saved that night and she was offered the help and support she needed." Constable Hurd said: "There were some really worthy nominees, so for us, winning the bravery award is completely unexpected. I would say that Alex was the main brave person on the day, he’s the one who jumped in the water.
"This is honestly just one of the things we do on a daily basis, we don’t really see it ourselves as something special, so it’s nice to hear how valued our work is by others. I have been in the police for about 15 years and it’s the first time I have ever been to an event like this, it’s so nice to have been part of the awards."
The two Constables were recognised at the fifth Community First Awards for their dedication, bravery and professionalism. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “These awards are a celebration of the hard work, professionalism, and dedication that our officers, staff, volunteers and partners display day in, day out, to protect victims, prevent crime and serve the public. It is so important that these achievements are recognised and celebrated because policing and the work carried out to support our communities across Merseyside is by no means an easy job.
“The judges had a really difficult task choosing the winners, as everyone nominated was a worthy winner for their outstanding work and commitment, and for the difference they have made to keep people across Merseyside safe."
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