A POLICE officer has spoken of the dramatic episode in which he saved the life of a young woman.

PC Dave Cuthbertson pulled the distressed 20-yearold to safety after spotting her on a bridge over the A1(M) near Darlington, threatening to jump into a path of oncoming traffic.

The 48-year-old, who works in Durham Police’s road policing unit, was off-duty when the incident happened, at about 7.30pm on Saturday.

He had finished his shift at 7pm, but fortunately he still had his radio with him and was able to call his colleagues for help as he saw events unfold.

Describing what happened, PC Cuthbertson said: “The young woman was standing literally right on the edge, unsupported.

“She was looking down on the road and didn’t respond when I spoke to her.

“I didn’t want to spook her and was hoping my colleagues would arrive to assist but, as she looked as if she was preparing to jump, I had to make a decision, so I grabbed hold of her.

“I hung onto her but she was struggling and trying to get free and I couldn’t pull her over the barrier.

“Thankfully, a woman stopped to help and between us we kept hold of her.

“Then a man also came to our aid and between us we pulled her to safety.”

PC Cuthbertson, who has 23 years with the police, paid tribute to the two members of public who intervened.

“I am extremely grateful that they assisted in the way they did,” he said.

Police were able to speak with the woman who helped the rescue, who is understood to be a nurse. But they were unable to contact the man, who had left before his details could be taken.

They would like him to get in touch by calling 0345-60-60- 365.

The woman was taken to hospital and was still receiving medical treatment on Sunday.

It is unclear if she had been discharged from hospital last night.