Strabane police praised for going to great lengths to prevent man’s suicide
POLICE have been praised for going to extraordinary lengths to prevent a man from taking his own life in Co Tyrone.
Members of Strabane PSNI were involved in the dramatic rescue along with a police helicopter crew after the man reportedly left an address near
Clady on Wednesday afternoon.
Officers had spent several hours trekking through muddy fields searching for the man before locating him close to a river.
As they attempted to intervene, the man entered the water before thinking better of it, coming back out again and standing on the river bank.
At this point colleagues from the PSNI’s air support unit, which had been assisting in the search, intervened by hovering just above the river and making it impossible for the male to re-enter the water.
Posting on Facebook, the PSNI said: “It’s important to note that these guys and girls would only ever fly so low when they have considered every other option. It goes without saying they always consider every possible risk to the public and livestock.
“They did this manoeuvre to save a life... and they did just that.
“We are certainly very thankful for their assistance and expertise because from experience there are very few things colder than a river in Co Tyrone in November. “With their impressive help we were able to complete the rescue, muddy trousers, cut hands and all... to get this male to safety and to people who can offer him help.”
The post was shared widely on social media with many congratulating police for their efforts.
DUP councillor David Ramsey said: “A touch of genius. Well done to the officers involved especially the pilot who took such a risk at low level to prevent another fatality in our rivers.”
One woman commented: “Well done PSNI and all involved. Hopefully the poor guy will get the professional help he needs now.”
Another added: “Sounds like fantastic pilot skills from air support. Job well done to all the teams especially when saving a life.”