Flood-rescue officers given police bravery award

Sgt Shannon Murphy, Sgt Lee Baker and PC Thomas Simmonds (pictured left to right) created a human chain to rescue the woman

Three police officers who formed a human chain to free a woman trapped in a car that had been washed away in flash floods have been given a police bravery award.

The driver was swept downstream as she attempted to cross a swollen ford on Bow Brook, near Pershore, in April 2023.

Officers found the vehicle submerged and were forced to smash their way through its windows.

Sgt Shannon Murphy, Sgt Lee Baker and PC Thomas Simmonds pulled her to safety, just moments before the car sank.

All three officers from West Mercia Police were named regional winners at the 29th Police Bravery Awards on Thursday.

The force's Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray described the award nomination as "completely justified".

After being assessed at the scene by ambulance crews, the woman did not require treatment and made a full recovery.

Mr Murray added: "We’re really pleased officers were able to act so swiftly and rescue her before the vehicle sank too far under the water. She wasn't injured during the incident.

"I am really proud of the work of our team, they all responded quickly and instinctively working together as a team to rescue the lady."