A BRAVE policeman saved a girl who was threatening to jump from a footbridge over the A40, near Swakeleys Roundabout, Hillingdon, at 11am today.

Officers had only just arrived when the girl attempted to jump.

A member of the public managed to grab her arm through the safety rail of the bridge and held on.

PC Dewayne Hamilton, from Hillingdon, then vaulted the railings and put his arm around the girl to stop her falling.

There was a terrifying ordeal, lasting several minutes, with the officer and the girl dangling over the road while they waited for further help.

Firefighters were able to get a harness around the girl to help secure her.

However, it required a specialist 'cherry picker' crane to reach the girl and bring her to safety.

Fire and ambulance officers went up on the 'cherry picker' to rescue her. When she had been lowered to the ground, they went back up to bring down PC Hamilton.

The girl, who is in her mid-teens, was taken for treatment. She did not suffer any serious physical injury, but both she and her family are receiving support Insp Lindsey Hannigan, of Hillingdon police, paid tribute to all those involved in the rescue.

"This was an incredibly courageous act by the officer,” said the inspector.

“What makes this even more impressive is that the officer arrived at Hillingdon only one week ago as a probationer constable.

“His action, which placed his own life in danger, was an extraordinary act of bravery. I would also like to pass on my sincere thanks to those members of the public who helped stop the girl falling and then stayed with her throughout the ordeal.

“All three emergency services worked seamlessly together and I pay tribute to the work of our colleagues."

PC Hamilton said: "I am so just glad I was there and able to make difference. I have a child about this girl's age and all I could think about was saving her. I am so very happy we were all able to rescue her from danger."