PC nominated for bravery award after Telford bridge fall

PC Rachel Paterson held the woman's legs and ankles to prevent her falling on to the road

A police officer who saved the life of a woman on a bridge has been nominated for a bravery award.

West Mercia PC Rachel Paterson was on the scene in Telford as the woman threatened to jump on to a road below.

West Mercia Police Federation said, after a struggle, the woman had slipped and PC Paterson had held her legs and ankles to stop her from falling.

Sarah Cooper, who chairs the federation, praised the officer's "calmness and bravery".

PC Paterson was helped by an off-duty officer, who helped get the woman back over the railings to safety.

Her line manager said: "PC Paterson acted on instinct and I truly believe she made a brave decision which saved the life of the member of the public."

She has been nominated for the Police Bravery Awards, to be held in July.

'Courageous acts'

The annual awards, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, honour officers in England and Wales who have performed acts of bravery while on or off duty.

Ms Cooper added: "There's no doubt that Rachel's quick-thinking, calmness and bravery saved this woman's life.

"Rachel represents officers across our force area who carry out extraordinarily courageous acts every day to serve and protect the public.

"She is absolutely deserving of the nomination and I am delighted that her bravery has been recognised in this way."

At the awards ceremony, a winner is named in each of the Federation's eight regions as well as an overall national winner.

Also nominated is West Midlands officer Det Con Mark Bates, who was off duty when he tackled a knife-wielding attacker who stabbed a man outside school gates.