Hackney police officer nominated for bravery award

Brave: PC Gareth Bradley-Jones. Photograph: Metropolitan Police

A Hackney police officer who dived into the River Lea to save a man from drowning was shortlisted for the Police Federation Bravery Awards earlier this month.

PC Gareth Bradley-Jones was chasing a suspected drug dealer who jumped into the river in September last year.

The man, who was weighed down by his heavy clothing, then began to drown.

The police officer dived under the surface several times before pulling him out onto the bank and pumping water out of his lungs.

During police interviews afterwards, the man said: “That officer is a hero, he saved my life. My son still has a father.”

PC Bradley-Jones, 34, added: “I dived under several times until I found him and dragged him to the surface. I’m glad I was able to save him.”

The winners for London were two Westminster officers who tackled an armed gang.