Surrey Police officers at Downing Street for Bravery Awards

14 July 2017

Two Surrey Police officers who jumped into dangerous waters in the middle of the night to rescue a woman who wanted to kill herself enjoyed a great day at this year’s National Police Bravery Awards.

PC Erin Bowditch and PC Rachel Upton were on duty in Guildford in the early hours on 4 April 2016 when they were contacted by the Royal Surrey County Hospital with concerns about the safety of a suicidal patient.

Erin said: “Myself and Rachel, we were called to the hospital following a young female who was very vulnerable, she’d gone missing, she’d threatened to commit suicide.

“She was located by our CCTV in Guilford, in Surrey, and she was near to the river banks. Unfortunately for us, at about 4 o’clock in the morning, she decided that she was going to try and end her life. So she made an attempt and she got into the river which was quite fast flowing, and myself jumped in and then Rachel followed me.”

The pair were searching the banks of the River Wey when the control room told them she was nearby. They carefully approached her but in her frantic state she jumped into the river.

Despite there being no buoyancy aides nearby, the pair removed their body armour and kit belts and bravely jumped into the river. The pair managed to pull the vulnerable woman from the water, take her to safety and ensure she received the medical attention she needed.

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: “It takes a brave individual to leap into a fast flowing river at night.

“As a police officer, nothing can really prepare you for the realities of trying to save the life of a desperate, suicidal person. It is truly terrifying stuff. But these police officers put aside their own safety and risked their lives to bring that woman back from the water that night.

“We are immensely proud of their professionalism, their determination and their courage. They truly exemplify the very best of British policing.”