Redbridge police commended for saving life of 21-year-old in Fairlop Waters Lake

At the Jack Carter Pavilion, Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, last week, the Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Chris Cummins and the Mayoress Helen Johnson recognised the achievements of the borough’s police.

With borough commander Det Ch Supt Sue Williams present, framed certificates were given to officers who took part in the rescue of a man from Fairlop Waters, the aftermath of a horrific car accident and the arrest of two thieves targeting an elderly man, among other acts of outstanding police work.

Pcs Damanjit Sihota and Jennifer Lawrence helped save a 21-year-old man from drowning in Fairlop Waters Lake, off Forest Road, Barkingside, in April last year.

The man, who had drunk a large amount of alcohol and was “intent on taking his own life”, had gone into the water at about 12.55am, the audience heard.

Ms Lawrence restrained some of his relatives who were trying to go in the water after him while Mr Sihota and another officer walked along the bank of the lake looking for the victim.

As the man had been in the water for more than 30 minutes, Mr Sihota and Ms Lawrence decided to take action and go in the water to save him.

He was pulled to the bank and was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

Chief Insp Russell Taylor told the officers: “You are commended for your excellent professionalism, bravery and commitment in saving the life of a member of the public.”

Sgt Thomas Lee and Pc Ryan Dabner were commended for their role in catching two men who attempted a distraction theft at a cash machine in High Street, Barkingside, in August last year.

Despite being off-duty, the vigilant officers noticed two males approach an elderly man at the cash machine and attempt to take his debit card.

Without their safety equipment, they confronted the suspects, who were later arrested for attempting a distraction theft.

The role of officers in dealing with the aftermath of a fatal car accident was recognised at the commendation ceremony.

In March last year, officers were called to the scene of a collision between a Honda Civic and a Range Rover in Redbridge Lane East.

Insp David Brewster; Sgt Richard Hines and Pcs Waqas Ali, Mark Bright, Caroline Clark, Ciaron Daly, Daniel Facey, Alan Holland, Hitesh Kamboj, Thomas Lock, Laura Myers, Jan Swift and Benjamin Whale were commended for their professionalism and quick-thinking.

A 23-year-old man was killed in the accident.

Sgt Wayne McBride, Pc Andy Pope, PCSO Kirsty Rothon and Specials Sgts Gary Twomey, Sean Linsdall and Laila Naeem were commended for developing the borough’s volunteer cadet force.

Since being set up in 2007, it has grown to 70 members, with 50 young people on a waiting list.