Five storeys up, no safety gear — just guts and quick thinking. That’s how two Met officers saved a man threatening to jump from scaffolding in Blackheath last April.
Early Morning Drama on the Scaffolding
At 6am, PCs Simon Thomas and Rhafaela Aliprandi arrived first at the scene after reports a man climbing scaffolding outside a residential block, threatening to end his life. The man was visibly distressed, perched five storeys high.
The officers immediately started talking him down, calling for backup from ambulance crews, fire brigade, supervisors, and negotiators. But as more help arrived, the situation worsened.
Peril Mounts as Man Removes Scaffold Ladders
The agitated man began ripping away parts of the scaffold ladders, making it impossible to get close safely. The officers created space to reduce pressure and kept him talking while negotiating. Then, the moment of crisis hit.
Brave Climb Without Safety Gear Saves Life
With key access points gone, PCs Thomas and Aliprandi made a split-second decision: climb the outside of the scaffolding — no harness, no specialist gear — five storeys up.
“I knew it was dangerous; a fall would almost certainly be fatal. But instinct and training took over,” said PC Thomas.
He reached the man within moments, catching him before he could fall. PC Will Hesketh followed immediately to help. Officers, supported by A/Sgt Brophy, Insp Wicks, and the London Fire Brigade, administered lifesaving first aid and CPR right there on the scaffolding.
The man was then sedated, safely lowered by cherry picker, and rushed to the hospital.
Heroes Honoured for Courage Under Pressure
The officers received London Police Bravery Awards for their fearless teamwork and calm decision-making in a high-risk situation. Incidents like this rarely hit headlines but highlight the harsh reality frontline officers face: split-second decisions, balancing their own safety against protecting others.
As one officer put it, running towards danger sometimes means climbing five storeys of exposed scaffolding — no harness, no safety net, just determination to save a life.
