Response to concern for welfare – Northumbria Police, October 2019

On 24 October 2019, Northumbria Police officers responded to a 999 call reporting a woman on a road bridge sitting on the wrong side of the railings. Officers arrived, began talking to her and requested a negotiator. While officers were trying to engage with her, the woman lowered herself over the ledge of the bridge and dangled precariously from a railing. A police constable climbed over the railings and attempted to assist the woman, endeavouring to pull her up. Shortly after, despite the officer’s best efforts, the woman dropped from the bridge. Officers provided medical assistance until paramedics arrived. The woman sustained serious injuries from which she has since recovered.

Following a referral from Northumbria Police we decided to conduct an independent investigation. Investigators attended the scene and police post-incident procedure. We reviewed body-worn video captured by officers involved in the incident and analysed radio communications along with telephone calls made to the force and North East Ambulance Service. We obtained witness accounts from the officers and police staff involved, all of whom co-operated fully with the investigation. We also obtained witness statements from the woman who was injured, and from other members of the public who were on the bridge at the time.

We found that Northumbria Police responded promptly and effectively to the initial 999 call, with officers arriving at the scene within six minutes. We were of the opinion the constable who climbed over the railings to help the woman acted commendably. Based on the evidence, he spoke to her with considerable empathy and put any concerns for his own safety to one side in an attempt to keep the woman from harm. He can be heard on body-worn video encouraging the woman to climb back to safety, and was visibly distressed after she slipped from his grasp. Police officers involved followed procedures and policies by approaching the scene silently, and blocking off the road and footpath beneath the bridge to prevent members of the public accessing the area.

We concluded our investigation in February 2020. During the investigation there was no indication any police officer or staff member may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.