Heroes save man from bridge leap
9:02am Friday 10th July 2009 in News
TWO have-a-go-heroes leapt into action to stop a young man jumping to his death from a bridge over a busy road.
The man in his 20s climbed over railings in Bradshaw Street, Bolton, on Wednesday evening and was seen by onlookers hanging over the edge of the bridge, preparing to jump into traffic on St Peter’s Way.
But a quick thinking passer-by approached the man, knelt down and started talking to him.
The man then made moves to jump, but the passer-by grabbed hold of him through the railings and held onto him.
Another passer-by then came to help him restrain the distressed man.
One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “I was so shocked — the first man who helped him was absolutely fantastic.
“He is a hero and should be recognised for what he has done.
“Both men were extremely brave — they saved that young lad’s life.”
Police arrived at 8pm in time to see the two passers-by lift the man back over the railings to safety.
The young man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace.
He was later taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
The two mystery heroes left the scene once police arrived to take over.
A police spokesman said officers did not know who the men were, but praised their quick thinking.
tommy says...
10:03am Fri 10 Jul 09