Brave Rachel clings to woman’s legs to prevent bridge fall

10 June 2022

A West Mercia Police officer who saved the life of a woman threatening to jump from a bridge over a dual carriageway has been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.

PC Rachel Paterson was first to arrive on the scene in Telford to find the woman threatening to throw herself onto the road 20 metres below.

She initially spoke to the woman and eventually reached her on the bridge when there was a struggle and the woman slipped.

PC Paterson, who has been an officer with West Mercia Police for two years and is based in Telford, held onto the woman’s legs and ankles to prevent her falling.

She was then joined 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.

“Without her intervention, the female would have fallen 20m head first onto the carriageway below."

Her actions have now earned her a nomination for the Police Bravery Awards, which take place in July. The annual awards, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, honour some of the finest officers in England and Wales who have performed incredible acts of bravery while on or off duty.

Sarah Cooper, West Mercia Police Federation chair, said: “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.