Police officers wade into sea to rescue woman

THREE Bexhill police officers waded into the sea on a bitterly cold night to save a woman in difficulties.

A passer-by called police after seeing the 51-year-old woman in the water off Bexhill seafront last Thursday at about 10.30pm.

Within minutes Sergeant Matthew Brooks and PCs Michael Dunn and James Avery were on the scene '“ directly behind the De La Warr Pavilion.

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They could see the distressed woman was 15-20 metres from the shore with the water up to her neck.

All three officers immediately started to wade into the freezing water.

Sergeant Brookes and PCs Dunn and Avery made their way to the woman, with the water up to their chests, and grabbed her and dragged her to shore.

She was taken to hospital for a check up and detained under the Mental Health Act.

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Meanwhile the police officers went back to Bexhill police station to warm up and dry off. Bexhill commander Inspector Dick Coates praised the officers for their quick actions.

He said: "This lady was saved thanks to the quick-thinking and actions of these officers.

"They showed immense bravery by entering the sea on a cold, wet night. They acted to the highest standards in difficult circumstances and should be highly commended for their actions."