A QUICK-thinking police officer has been praised for coming to the aid of a vulnerable man who was in distress at the top of a cliffs at a suicide black-spot yesterday (Monday, August 15).

Cleveland Police were alerted to the worrying situation on Huntcliff in Saltburn when a member of the public raised concerns for the man just before 4pm.

PC Mark Stenson made his way up the steps to the cliff top, even commandeering a lift along the nearby fields on a nearby farmer’s tractor to speed up the process.

The officer found the man and talked to him until he was physically able to bring him away from the cliff edge and take him to safety.

He said: “I’m so relieved the man is safe now. I’d also like to thank the farmer whose name I didn’t get unfortunately –because I was in such a hurry to find the gentleman. It was a very warm day, I’d already got up to the cliff top and time was of the essence. He helped me find the man much quicker than I would have on foot and his input was invaluable.”

Staff from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust street triage team later provided specialist advice and support to the man.

Chief Superintendent Glenn Gudgeon, head of operations at Cleveland Police, said: “The incident demonstrated the professionalism and dedication of our officer in a challenging situation – which could have had a very different outcome.

“With the help of colleagues from street triage, the incident was brought to a safe conclusion for everyone involved and the gentleman will now receive the support he clearly needs.”