Brave police officers save man from jumping off Humber Bridge

Quick thinking police officers saved the life of a local man when he attempted to jump off the Humber Bridge last Friday. 

The incident, on Friday, October 12, led to the closure of the northbound carriageway of the Humber Bridge from Barton, as reported by Barton People.

Humberside Police were called to the Humber Bridge by a worried girlfriend of a man who had contacted her in a distressed state, saying he was going to take his own life. 

Shortly before 3.30pm it became clear the northbound carriage would have to be closed for the safety of all those involved.

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The man had climbed to the other side of the railings, towards the middle of the Humber Bridge.

Specialist police negotiators were called in to try to talk the man to safety. 

However at 4.30pm the man made a serious effort to jump from the bridge. 

The officers however acted quickly enough to catch him and, following a struggle, hold on to him, before securing him to the railings with handcuffs and a belt.

Meanwhile additional support was called for from the Coastguard and the Fire and Rescue Service.

Officers took it in turns to hold the man in place through the railings.

Shortly after 5.30pm the man was pulled to safety with no injuries, and taken to hospital for assessment. 

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Donald said "This man's life was saved by quick thinking and brave police officers. They could have been pulled over themselves and had to hang on.

"The man was over the railings and whilst using belts and handcuffs to secure him to the bridge, their initiative and bravery is commendable. 

Assistant Chief Constable Donald said the man's actions caused significant disruption to traffic: "Closing a major road such as the Humber Bridge is not a decision taken lightly, but the priority of all those involved was  safety and saving the  man's life.

"On behalf of Humberside Police and the other agencies involved I would like to express my gratitude to all those affected by the closure of the bridge for their patience and understanding."