A CONSTABLE who helped to save a suicidal girl falling from a pedestrian footbridge into oncoming traffic on the A40 near Swakeleys Roundabout was today given a special award.

New recruit PC Dewayne Hamilton was awarded a Commissioner's Commendation following his first official parade as a Met constable at Hendon.

He is one of 211 new recruits who 'passed out' today in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey.

It was on the morning of Monday, September 29, when PC Hamilton, 36 - just six days into his service at Hillingdon - responded to a call about a girl threatening to jump from the footbridge.

A passer-by had bravely managed to grab the girl's arm through the safety rail of the bridge to hold on to her until the emergency services arrived.

PC Hamilton vaulted over the 6ft railings and put his arm around the girl to stop her falling while his other arm gripped the railings.

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

The PC and the girl remained suspended 25ft above the busy six-lane A40 for several minutes while a 'cherry picker' crane was summoned.

PC Hamilton received a standing ovation from emergency services and people who had been standing beside their cars, watching events unfold.

Subsequently the girl, who is in her mid-teens, was taken for treatment. She did not suffer any serious physical injury. Both she and her family are receiving support.

PC Hamilton said: "Hearing the events being recited today was an emotional experience and it left me with a heavy heart.”

Det Chief Supt Nick Downing, borough commander for Hillingdon, said: "This courageous act has touched us all and I am delighted to be welcoming Dewayne to Hillingdon.”