'Extraordinary courage' of police and passers-by recognised for saving a woman's life

PCSO Geoff Wynn and PC Holly Hornsby rushed to help the woman after drivers reported she was on the bridge and in distress.

Five members of the public, including an off-duty police officer, had already approached the woman and took hold of her, staying with her while the emergency services were called.

When police arrived a short time later, PCSO Wynn also took hold of the woman while PC Holly Hornsby spoke to her to keep her calm.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service used specialist equipment to bring her down from the bridge safely.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “The members of the public involved in this incident displayed extraordinary courage – stepping forward to save the life of a vulnerable woman in great distress.

“When they arrived, PC Hornsby and PCSO Wynn acted in the best traditions of the police service, working quickly and compassionately to ensure she could be brought to safety and receive the help she needed.

PCSO Wynn, PC Hornsby and the members of the public are to be presented with Royal Humane Society certificates from Chief Constable Winward for their efforts during the incident which happened in August 2019,

“They should all be proud of their actions on that day, and this recognition from the Royal Humane Society is richly deserved," she said.

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