FOUR young heroes who helped save a man’s life have been presented with special “Good Citizen” citations by Police who described them as “pillars of the community.”
Without any concerns for their own safety the four youngsters put themselves between a distressed man who was considering jumping off a motorway bridge and kept him talking and safe until police arrived at the scene.
The drama was captured on motorway CCTV with police later praising the actions of the young men on social media.
warrington-worldwide launched an appeal via social media appeal to trace the youngsters and within a matter of hours they were identified as Warrington and Vale Royal College Public Service students, Kaileb Walters, James Barnshawe and Connor O’Hara, all aged 18 and Nathan Kenyon, 17.
Presenting special Certificates of Appreciation and Good Citizen citations Inspector Hannah Friend said:”Police received multiple calls from members of the public reporting concern for the welfare and safety of a man who was standing on the motorway bridge at junction 9 of the M62 at Winwick.
“Police patrols were deployed to find the male but initial information had given the wrong location leading to a short delay in police attendance.
“Fortunately four members of the public had seen the male who was vulnerable and distressed; they approached the man and spoke with him until patrols arrived.
“Motorway CCTV showed that they made great efforts to communicate with the male and prevented him from approaching the edge of the bridge, maintaining his safety.
“Without their intervention, it is possible the male may have come to harm in his distressed state.
“These individuals have acted with compassion, bravery and selflessness. They have demonstrated the best qualities of community spirit and have rightly been described as “pillars of the community” for their outstanding assistance during this incident.
“This citation is to recognise and thank these individuals for their excellent support to Cheshire police and the Warrington community.”
The students, who are all good friends and considering careers with the police, had been walking home from college when they became aware of the distressed male looking over the side of the motorway bridge at Junction nine of the M62.
Kaileb said: “He was clearly distressed so we just tried to keep him calm by talking about things in general like football. He was a really nice guy who had obviously been through a tough time and we were just happy to help.”
All four students were congratulated by College Principal Nichola Newton who said: “The college is extremely proud of the actions of these four young students, they are a credit to the college and the town.”
The four young heroes with Inspector Hannah Friend and College Principal Nichola Newton
