TWO Trowbridge police officers whose lightning actions saved a suicidal man from jumping over the bridge in County Way say they were just acting in their line of duty.

It was during the late evening on April 11 that police were informed about a man who had posted a video on Facebook stating that he was going to end his life by jumping from a bridge.

PC Rebecca Taylor and PC Philip Matthews were out on patrol along County Way when PC Taylor noticed a dark shadow on the bridge above.

PC Taylor was able to build a rapport with the suicidal man while PC Matthews contacted the relevant partner agencies to arrange for some help.

But in an unexpected turn of events, where the pair thought they had talked him down, the man then launched himself over the railing.

PC Taylor, 27, who has been part of the force for two and a half years said: “He was quite upset and he was sat in a mobility scooter so we tried to calm him down. We had mental health services on the phone and then all of a sudden, he got up out of his scooter and threw himself over the railings.

“We weren’t ready for it to happen because he was talking to the mental health team so it happened all of a sudden.

“It is nice to be able to come to this ceremony because it is my first awards and it is lovely to be appreciated for the job.”

The quick-thinking pair managed to catch hold of the man and bring him back over the railing despite putting their own safety on the line as the situation could have easily resulted in both officers being pulled over with him.

Their swift actions have now been honoured with the Chief Constable’s Commendation at the Wiltshire Police Awards last week.

PC Matthews, 40 said: “It was a good spot on Becky’s part because it was dark and it is a high bridge so she did really well.

“We deal with most things but usually you have more time to react but thankfully we were able to catch him.

“Becky was the one that spoke to him for 30 minutes before he tried to jump and in the end he decided to go with us to Green Lane for help. Often is in these cases, the person was very upset if you take them anywhere but Becky did a great job in talking him around.”