Four police officers who waded into freezing, fast flowing floodwater in a desperate attempt to save a woman trapped beneath a bridge are being commended for their exceptional courage during a tragic incident in Cornwall.

At around 10.30am on 15 December 2025, a 63 year old woman was out jogging with a friend when she slipped into a swollen stream near a small bridge. Recent heavy rain had turned the normally shallow waterway into a powerful torrent. The force of the current pulled her under the bridge and trapped her against a drainage pipe. Her running partner dialled 999 while struggling to keep her head above water.

The first to arrive were PS Katie Jordan and PC A. Without hesitation, both officers entered the icy water fully clothed, wading in up to their waists as they tried to pull the woman free. The suction from the pipe was overwhelming, making it impossible to move her.

PCs Jess Lawry and PC B positioned themselves on top of the bridge, kneeling in the shallow water flowing over it to support the casualty from above. Body worn video later showed the officers visibly shivering as the cold rapidly sapped their strength. The woman, whose body temperature had dropped dangerously low, soon became unconscious and stopped breathing.

The officers remained in the water for around ten minutes, refusing to leave her side despite the risk of being dragged into the second pipe themselves.
Fire crews arrived shortly afterwards and used specialist water rescue equipment to free the woman. The officers were pulled from the water and, although extremely cold, did not require medical treatment. Tragically, despite the combined efforts of police, fire and medical teams, the woman could not be saved.

The stream was small, but the conditions were treacherous: fast moving, freezing and heavily swollen with recent rainfall. The officers’ willingness to enter the water and remain with the casualty, despite the danger to themselves, demonstrated remarkable bravery and determination.

Katie Clements, Devon and Cornwall Police Federation chair, said: “Katie Jordan, Jess Lawry, and their two colleagues, showed incredible bravery in the most challenging and dangerous conditions. They put their own safety at risk in a determined effort to save the casualty, despite the freezing water, the force of the current and the very real danger of being pulled under themselves.

“When I attended the scene shortly afterwards, the sheer power of the water was immediately clear. What these officers faced was far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect of them, yet they did not hesitate. They stayed with the casualty, supported her friend and continued their efforts even when the situation became impossible.

“Their actions demonstrate immense courage and absolute dedication to protecting the public. It is another powerful example of how our officers confront danger head on to serve their communities. They should be commended for their professionalism, their compassion and their extraordinary bravery that day.”

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan QPM said: “The conduct of PS Jordan and PC Lawry, and their two colleagues, that December morning showed exemplary bravery and compassion in the face of fast-moving, hazardous conditions.

“The courage they displayed by entering the icy water in full uniform is humbling. By staying with the casualty until more help arrived, they demonstrated their selfless commitment to protecting lives and communities, even in the face of personal danger. Patrol officers are trained to deal with life-endangering emergencies, but they are still regular people, and I know this day will stay with them all for a long time.

“Their nomination is well-deserved, and I commend them for their bravery.”