OFFICERS who waded into the sea at night to rescue a suicidal woman have been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.

PCs Simon Young, Paul Cleal and Zachary Dredge were called to the seafront in Poole late on September 9 last year after the casualty made a bid to kill herself.

The three officers went into the water, directed by a member of the public who was also waist-deep in the sea. After swimming out to the woman, the officers took hold of her arms and brought her back to the shore.

An ambulance was called, but as no estimated time of arrival could be given, the officers took the woman to Poole Hospital themselves.

Tony Tester, chair of the Dorset Police Federation said: “The actions of these officers were exemplary and they are deserving of a national Police Bravery Award.

"To wade into the sea in pitch darkness and bring the woman to safety took courage, something they took in their stride without a second thought.”