Quick-thinking PC saved vulnerable woman’s life

A VULNERABLE woman who disappeared from hospital was saved from the edge of a car park roof by a quick-thinking Essex Police officer.

PC Matt Hughes, from Harlow’s Local Policing Team, heard about the missing woman on the morning of Saturday 28 January. She had been taken to hospital that day but left before receiving medical treatment.

Responding to the call immediately, PC Hughes used his knowledge of the local area to track her down and found her on the roof of a multi-storey car park.

The officer could see she was standing on the edge of the railings and ensured he approached her cautiously so he did not startle her.

Nevertheless, she became highly distressed when she saw him and made it clear that she was intent on ending her life.

Speaking to her calmly, PC Hughes reassured her that he was there to help and managed to convince her to back away from the ledge. After further negotiation, she came away from the edge completely and went straight to the officer for a hug.

He then took her to Harlow Police Station to be assessed by the Street Triage Team, and she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

PC Hughes was modest about his actions. “I was just in the right place at the right time and I’m glad I was able to get the woman the help she needed,” he said.