Ilfracombe PCs rescue man from sea

TWO police officers risked freezing temperatures to rescue a man from the sea in Ilfracombe last night.   At about 10.45pm police they were called to Wildersmouth Beach in response to a report that a man was walking into the sea.   When police arrived,

TWO police officers risked freezing temperatures to rescue a man from the sea in Ilfracombe last night.

At about 10.45pm police they were called to Wildersmouth Beach in response to a report that a man was walking into the sea.

When police arrived, he was standing on rocks threatening to jump into the sea.

He then sat down on rocks and refused to speak to the officers. While the officers were attempting to talk to the man, he was washed off the rock by the sea.

The two PCs then entered the water in freezing temperatures and little light and waded to waist height to rescue the man.

The 42-year-old Barnstaple man was arrested under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and later taken to North Devon District Hospital.

The actions of the two PCs, Mason and Adamson, have been praised by Inspector Oliver from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary who said: "The Coastguard had been alerted to the incident, but both officers felt the need to put themselves at risk to save the male before a lifeboat could reach the area. Both officers should be very proud of their actions in helpiung save this man's life."