The Daily Telegraph

Officer who could barely swim saves drowning man

- By Martin Evans CRIME CORRESPOND­ENT

A NEWLY qualified police officer who could barely swim dived into a freezing river to save a drowning man’s life.

Pc Mohammed Nadeem, who is in his two-year probation period with Greater Manchester Police, jumped into the River Irwell in Bury, Lancashire, on Saturday afternoon after a member of the public fell into the water and got into difficulti­es.

Despite not being a confident swimmer, Pc Nadeem managed to get to the man, grab hold of him and drag him to safety. The fast flowing and deep water was said to be close to freezing when the officer risked his life.

The man was treated by paramedics at the scene before being transferre­d to hospital.

Supt Rick Jackson said: “Without hesitation, Pc Nadeem dived off an eight-foot drop into freezing, deep and fast-moving water. The man is now safe and receiving the treatment he needs.

“Pc Nadeem has gained the nickname ‘The Hoff’ from his colleagues so I’m sure he won’t be forgetting this anytime soon!”

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