Passer-by honoured for helping to save woman's life

Caitlan Smith was awarded a commendation certificate by Essex Police chief constable, Ben-Julian Harrington

A passer-by credited with saving a young person's life has been commended for her compassion and bravery.

Caitlan Smith saw a woman standing on the wrong side of footbridge railings in north Essex in November 2022 and stopped to talk to her until police arrived.

"I was telling her she could get through it," she said, having noticed movement as she walked home on a "freezing and dark" morning.

Ms Smith has been awarded a commendation from Essex Police's chief constable for her "extraordinary" actions.

The woman was walked off the bridge by police, treated by paramedics and was now getting help, the force said.

Ms Smith said she called police after speaking to the woman and realising something was wrong: "It was fortunate because I had already walked past without noticing her.

"I didn’t know what to say but the woman on the other end of the phone was so lovely and guided me through all the questions."

'I hope I’ve made a difference'

She was told to continue talking to her and to keep her calm, she added.

Essex Police chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington said her bravery and selflessness "was extraordinary".

"Faced with a young woman in extreme distress and in desperate need of help, her immediate and decisive actions helped to save the woman’s life," he said.

"Caitlan stepped up and took responsibility, even though it meant considerable personal risk."

Ms Smith said she received her commendation with "mixed feeling".

"I hope I’ve made a difference to her life."