A SELECT group of police officers have been given one of the highest honours for their work at a ceremony in Chelmsford.

Proud family members and special guests gathered at a ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford to celebrate the actions of ten officers and one staff member.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington awarded the individuals at his first commendations ceremony as the new Chief Constable.

These commendations are one of the highest honours a Chief Constable can give.

A spokesman said: "In February 2018, two officers attended an incident where a young woman was climbing over the barrier on the eighth floor of a carpark in Colchester in an attempt to take her own life.

"Putting the woman’s life first, they pulled her to safety and looked after her until the mental health team arrived.

"They were commended for their bravery, professionalism and quick-thinking which undoubtedly saved the young woman’s life.

"In February 2015, Sergeant Arin Andrews and another officer attended the River Colne where an unconscious woman had been spotted in the water.

"The officers climbed into the river and assisted in the rescue of the woman who had attempted to take her own life and as a result was suffering from severe hypothermia.

"Sergeant Arin Andrews was commended for his bravery and professionalism which resulted in saving a woman’s life. Since the incident.

"He has been informed that the woman made a full recovery and was able to receive the mental health support that she needed."

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “At my first commendation ceremony as Chief Constable, we are celebrating ordinary individuals taking extra-ordinary steps to help save the lives of others, protect the vulnerable and keep the people of Essex safe.

“It might be what our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis, but their actions are courageous, and I take great pride in being able to award them.”