POLICE have praised the “courageous actions” of members of the public who prevented a distressed woman from potentially jumping off Stockton Heath swing bridge during rush hour on Wednesday evening.
Officers responded to reports of a distressed female on the wrong side of the London Road swing bridge in Stockton Heath, shortly after 5pm which resulted in the A49 being closed from outside Morrisons supermarket to Fairfield Road.
The woman was rescued thanks to the courageous actions of three members of the public, who sprung in to action and held her, until Officers could arrive.
A police spokesperson said: “Another example of the brilliant sense of community and support in Warrington.
“We didn’t get the details of two of the people who stayed to help, but we would like to say thank you. The lady is now in safe hands and receiving the help she needs.”
One of those who went to the woman’s assistance was warrington-worldwide reader Val Caldwell.
Val said: “I was in my car going over the bridge, saw something out of the corner of my eye that looked like someone attempting to climb over the bridge.
“I pulled into Morrisons and quickly ran back to the bridge. The lady was on the other side of the bridge on a ledge preparing to jump. I grabbed her coat and held on. Two other ladies were present and we talked to her until the police arrived. At one point she tried to slip out of her coat and jump. A gentleman joined us and took most of her weight until the police arrived and carefully exchanged hold.
“Thank you to the lady with the dog that looked after my handbag. The police and the public were wonderful. I’m sure she’ll be well looked after now<” added Val.
