TWO police officers plunged into the icy cold waters of the river Wear to rescue a distressed teenager.

PC Peter Tate and Sergant Steve Donnelly were called to New Elvet Bridge, in Durham City, at 10.45pm on Sunday.

When they arrived, they saw a girl standing on the wrong side of the parapet, about 20ft above the water, near to where the Prince Bishops pleasure boat is moored.

The officers tried to talk to her but she said she had personal problems and threatened to jump if they came any closer. She seemed to be under the influence of drink or drugs, they said.

The officers called the fire brigade for assistance and sent for the river rescue boat from Bishop Auckland.

It was five minutes away when the girl lost her balance and fell into the river, just after 11.30pm.

PC Tate immediately swam into the river, using a life buoy and rope from the police car and he managed to bring the teenager back to shore with the help of Sgt Donnelly.

The girl, who has not been named, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham by ambulance.

She suffered no serious injuries, but was kept in hospital for observation.

Inspector Jane Spraggan said: "Luckily, the river was not especially fast-flowing but the two officers still had to react the moment she fell towards the water.

"They did exactly what they were trained to do and their actions without doubt saved the girl's life."

PC Tate, 28, joined Durham Constabulary in March 1997. Earlier this year, he and colleague PC Dave Sampson were awarded the force's Matt Wilkinson Trophy, for pulling a woman from her burning car.

Sgt Donnelly, 31, has been in the force for eight years