Police officer's bravery hailed after saving man from freezing Bradshaw Brook

Police and fire and rescue crews from Bolton and Eccles stations, alongside the technical response unit from Leigh, were called out in force at just after 9pm to deal with the emergency at Bradshaw Brook, opposite Canon Slade School in Tonge Moor, on Monday night after reports of a concern for the welfare of a man close to open water.

Police and fire crews were out in force (Credit: Trevor Jones)

A female officer rescued the man, who had entered the water "for reasons unknown", from the freezing brook. He was taken to safety by police and as result had to be taken to hospital as a precaution.

Det Chief Insp Paul Rollinson, of GMP's Bolton district, said: "This was outstanding action from one of our officers who did not hesitate to get in the water and help the man to safety regardless of how cold and deep it was.

"I've spoken to the officer today to praise her for her efforts and it goes to show, once again, the bravery and dedication our officers show on a daily basis to serve and protect the public and we will always continue to do so."

A police officer was commended for her bravery that night (Credit: Trevor Jones)

The female officer was released from hospital a short time later while the man she rescued is now being offered support through the police's relevant partner agencies.

Fire crews carried out safety checks at the scene and were in attendance for approximately 45 minutes and carried out a thorough search of the area to ensure that no-one was still in the water.