Quick-thinking police officers saved a man from jumping off Kew Bridge into the icy Thames.

PCs Martin Sumner and Leigh Tipper were on patrol when they spotted the man, who had climbed over the edge of the bridge in Brentford.

He was sporting a large rucksack which appeared to be heavily loaded and was balanced precariously above the river.

PC Sumner slowly approached and began talking to the man, who said he wanted to jump and could not swim, while his colleague crept around the back.

Fearing he was about to jump, PC Sumner reached forward and looped his arm through the man's rucksack, grasping his belt.

'Excellent example of heroic acts performed by officers'

PC Tipper grabbed the man from the other side and between them they managed to haul him to safety.

They reassured him while they waited for an ambulance, and then accompanied him to hospital where they stayed with him after building up a rapport.

The pair, who are neighbourhood officers for Chiswick Homefields, have now been awarded for their actions that day on March 14 last year.

Both officers were recognised at the Assistant Commissioner's Commendation Ceremony, held at New Scotland Yard on July 12, for "demonstrating bravery, empathy and professionalism throughout a challenging and dangerous incident".

Met Police assistant commissioner Martin Hewitt, who presented them with their awards, said: "This is an excellent example of the heroic acts Metropolitan Police officers perform on a daily basis, without seeking recognition or award, and both officers Sumner and Tipper are very deserving of this commendation."