Brave Cops Save Woman from Plunging Off Tinsley Bridge on New Year’s Eve
PC Matt Leask and PC Rich Reynolds were on patrol in Eastwood when they spotted a woman dangling dangerously from Tinsley Bridge. Quick thinking and calm words helped them bring her back from the edge to safety.
Deadly Spot Above Busy 70mph Road
Tinsley Bridge towers above the A610, a major road linking Nottinghamshire to Derbyshire, where cars race along at 70mph. A suicide attempt here risks not only the individual’s life but also the safety of countless motorists below.
Officers Fight for Lifesaving Barriers
After saving the woman, both officers knew more had to be done. They pushed hard, teaming up with Broxtowe Borough Council and the highways department to install protective barriers. They hope these safety measures will wipe out Tinsley Bridge’s grim reputation as a suicide hotspot, which saw at least 31 attempts between April 2021 and April 2023.
“On New Year’s Day in 2021, we found a distressed woman on the bridge,” said PC Leask. “She told us she was feeling suicidal. We calmed her, brought her to safety, and handed her over to the mental health team. From then on, we decided to fight for better protection and support here.”
“This busy road runs at 70mph. If a motorist swerves to avoid someone jumping, there could be multiple casualties. Our job isn’t just to lock people up; it’s to keep them safe at their lowest moments. These measures show how much we care.”
PC Reynolds added, “I’ve attended many suicide attempts with PC Leask. That only made us more determined to stop it from happening again. The new barriers and helpful signage could save lives by guiding people to support instead of putting them in danger.”
Praise from Neighbourhood Inspector
Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Ebbins said, “Our job is to spot community problems and solve them. Tinsley Bridge has been a notorious suicide spot. PC Leask and PC Reynolds recognised this urgent need and worked tirelessly to bring change. I’m extremely proud of their hard work.”
“We will always be there for people at their lowest points. These new measures will hopefully protect anyone who finds themselves at Tinsley Bridge.”
