A policewoman who helped save a child’s life and a call handler who prevented someone going over a cliff edge have both been awarded.

Detective superintendent Sam Haspell was off duty in Maidstone last November when she heard a woman crying from inside a house.

The woman spoke little English but was shouting for help saying her little boy was not breathing.

She ran to the house, identified herself, grabbed the young child and placed him over her shoulder, unblocking his airway.

The officer then placed him on the sofa and put him into the recovery position, allowing his airways to start to fully clear.

After a short while, he became conscious and began breathing again.

Then Det Supt Haspell provided advice to the mother on how to keep the boy cool so that he remained calm, whilst she monitored his breathing.

She also spoke to ambulance operators to update them on his condition before the crew arrived.

The boy was subsequently transferred to hospital where he remained for a few days under observation. He has since made a full recovery.

Det Supt Haspell has since been presented with an award from the Royal Humane Society for her decisive actions that day which contributed to saving the life of a young child.

The event, held at the Kent Police College on Tuesday, recognises Kent Police officers and staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Also to receive an award was Georgia English.

The call handler was only on her 10th shift since joining the Force Control Room when a woman called in saying she had come across a person in distress on Dover Cliffs this May.

Georgia used her skills to find a location for the caller, as they did not know where they were, so patrols could be sent.

While she was recording all the information, she reassured the caller that she had done the right thing by dialling 999.

Fifteen minutes into the call, Georgia was able to speak to the person and built up a rapport with them which resulted in them moving away from the cliff edge and to a place of safety.

The call handler was presented with a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her actions that day, remaining calm throughout the call, meaning the situation de-escalated.

Presenting the awards, Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith said: “I am extremely proud of these officers and staff who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication.

“Their endeavours show the different and complex challenges those who work for Kent Police overcome on a daily basis.

“It is worth noting that these are however just a few examples of the outstanding work ethic and commitment I see from all of my officers and staff on a daily basis.”