Commendations for officers who prevented a man jumping from A12 bridge

Two police officers have been awarded commendations for saving a man who was attempting to throw himself from a bridge onto the A12.

PC Kyle Simmons and PC Eugene Robinson of Brentwood Local Policing Team were on patrol when they were informed of a number plate recognition activation on the A12 regarding a car that had been taken during a robbery in Romford.

The officers found the vehicle parked by a roundabout above junction 12 and saw a man rummaging in the boot when they arrived. PC Simmons spoke to the man, but he suddenly ran towards the bridge over the A12 and jumped over the barrier.

PC Robinson gave chase and clung on to the man by the waistband of his trousers as he attempted to thrown himself onto the road below.

With the help of PC Simmons and a member of the public, they were able to pull the man back over the barrier to safety, where he was arrested.

It was later discovered the man was a high-risk missing person from London.

Remembering the day, PC Simmons said: “We found the car parked at the side of the road and it was quite odd as the gentleman was quite calm considering he was a suspect for a robbery. As we went to speak to him he made a bolt for the barrier.

“We were just holding onto him. He was trying to push off the fence and fall but we manged to keep a hold of him. He was hanging over and I said, ‘If you fall, you will die,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, I know.’”

PC Robinson added: “It all happened so quickly. I thought he was making a run for it but he went over the barrier in one movement. There was no time to think, it was just grab and hold.

“It’s good to be recognised because watching the footage back I didn’t think my performance was anything special! Having colleagues and the Chief say ‘fantastic job’ is great.”

PC Simmons and PC Robinson were presented with commendations for “quick-thinking, bravery and professionalism” by Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington at a ceremony at Essex Police headquarters.

Reflecting on the officers’ actions, CC Harrington said: “This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have had a tragic end were it not for PC Simmons and PC Robinson’s swift and decisive actions.

“They risked their own safety to save the man’s life despite his determination to get from away from them.

“Both officers should be incredibly proud of their actions. This was superb police work.”

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