Quick-thinking officers save woman’s life in Newark

A woman battling with her mental health was saved just before she could take her own life thanks to the quick-thinking actions of officers.

In the early hours of Monday 16 December in Newark, our control room (pictured) received a call concerning a woman who was expressing suicidal thoughts.

The woman, in her 30s, had stated she was on a bridge in the Newark area but did not provide her exact location.

Working in darkness, time was running out for a team of response officers to locate the woman.

Not only did the officers locate the woman but they managed to prevent her from taking her life.

Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and she was sent to hospital.

Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy, who is responsible for the county’s response officers, said:

“The actions of these officers was quite remarkable.

“Despite it being the middle of the night and in complete darkness, officers used their initiative and soon located the woman on the wrong side of the bridge over the River Trent.

“The officers tried to persuade the woman to come onto the right side of the bridge but she was resistant to do so.

“The officers worked well together to hold onto the woman until further units arrived, preventing her from entering the water.

“All the officers in attendance deserve a real well done for their courage, professionalism and empathy in dealing with the incident.

“A real good team effort meant the woman’s life was saved so that she could receive the help she needed.”

If you are struggling with mental health, you can call the Samaritans 24/7, 365 days a year on 116 123 for free. In an emergency always dial 999.