'Hero' off-duty policeman saves life of woman about to jump off Fareham bridge

But the quick-thinking policeman, who happened to be passing the A27 flyover just after 8pm last night, spotted the female before talking her out of jumping.

The officer was able to pull her back to safety after receiving support from armed police.

A police spokesman said: ‘We were called just after 8pm last night to a report of a concern for the welfare of a woman on a bridge over the A27. Officers attended and located her.’

Meanwhile, the Hampshire Police Federation praised the efforts of its officer.

A post on Twitter said: ‘Last night our own @sec_fed whilst off duty found a woman on a bridge wanting to jump. He successfully persuaded her not to and with assistance from @JOU_ArmedPolice, pulled her back to safety.’

John Apter, chairman of the federation, replied to the post: ‘Brilliant work, well done Garry and colleagues from @JOU_ArmedPolice. Saving a life is the ultimate gift. Well done, let’s hope the lady gets the support she needs.’

Toni Louise-Spence, also responding to the message, called the officer a ‘true hero’.

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