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Three quick-thinking police officers who made a makeshift hoist from their uniform belts to rescue a man dangling from a cliff edge have been nominated for an award.
The constables were called to Northfleet Quarry last year following reports a man intended to cause himself serious harm.
Police officers rescue the man after fashioning a hoist from their belts
Kent PCs Jodee Tubby, David Gillham – and an officer who cannot be named for operational reasons – were called to the disused cement works off Pier Road shortly after 6pm on Saturday, March 21.
On arrival, the officers could see the man was hanging precariously on the edge of the quarry with a 50-foot drop below him.
Three of the team climbed to the top and sought to reassure the man while a fourth member of the crew waited at the bottom, ready to provide first aid.
They quickly tried to devise a plan to help him get back to safety but it soon became apparent the constables would need to get creative.
Working against the clock, the officers removed their belts and linked them together to make a makeshift hoist so they could lean over the cliff edge and attempt to pull him up.
Despite their ingenuity, the belts were only strong enough to secure the man’s position, and they couldn’t be used to pull him up the cliff.
However, another officer managed to get a length of thick rope from a nearby resident, and they eventually used this to get the man to safety and to the medical care and attention he needed.
The rescue took around five minutes and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who were called, provided a prompt response and arrived at the same moment the man had been brought to safety.
Now the officers involved have been recognised for their tremendous efforts and have been put forward for the National Police Bravery Awards.
Kent Police Federation chairman Neil Mennie said he was in no doubt the officers had saved the man’s life.
Neil said: “This was bravery. This was ingenuity. This was basically really great, dynamic and heroic police work.
“The man in question was obviously very distressed, and on the bodycam footage from the incident, you can hear the officers are continually talking to him and reassuring him.
“They used all their resourcefulness to secure him using their belts before pulling him to safety. It was quick thinking, professional policing which saved his life.”
The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.
As nominees, the trio will attend an awards ceremony in London in December.
