Hero PC who saved man in dramatic River Irwell rescue: 'I thought he was gone at one point'

Mohammed Nadeem, a student police constable, dove in to help a man who had fallen into the river in Radcliffe on Saturday, pulling him to safety.

The 32-year-old, who is a father-to-be, said: "I have attended serious incidents but never anything on this scale.

"I am very happy and proud to be a police officer and I am proud of what I have done, saving someone's life, it's a great feeling."

He responded to a radio call shortly before 2pm, after police were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man near to Hardy's Gate Bridge, in Dumers Lane.

Specialist officers attended and began negotiating with the man, but he fell into the water shortly after.

PC Nadeem, whose heroics have earned him the nickname 'The Hoff', said: "I got to the scene and there was a man next to the river bank on his phone.

"I tried to speak to him to find out who he was and if I could help him, but he ignored me and didn't really talk.

"At that point two more vehicles parked up, with two sergeants, a PCSO, and a police officer, to see if they could help and get him from where he was.

"As we were doing this he fell into the river.

"I then went to the river bank, which was a good nine or 10ft drop and got into the water.

"He toppled under the water and I could see he was drowning, so I jumped into the water at that point.

"The water was very fast-paced and very cold, and there was a bit of a waterfall ahead.

"His body was moving up and down but his head was down in the water.

"He was trying to pull himself up but because of the water flow he just couldn't manage.

"I was seriously concerned for his safety. I was thinking he was taking in a lot of water.

"I managed to get to the man and pull him up as his head was still in the water, and he appeared to be drowning.

"I'm not a great swimmer and if the water was flowing faster than it was I think that I would have struggled myself."

As PC Nadeem attempted to prevent the man from drowning, officers on the river bank threw a rescue line to help the two men to the bank.

Edging over shallower but uneven parts of the river bed, PC Nadeem managed to keep hold of the man and keep moving towards safety.

Fire and ambulance crews also arrived on the scene and used a ladder to pull the two men out.

PC Nadeem added: "The man was in and out of consciousness and because of the seriously cold water, I thought he was gone at one point.

"I let him go up that ladder first so I knew he was safe, and I saw him get into an ambulance before I got out of the water.

"When I got out I was seriously cold, I couldn't feel my legs much at one point.

"So the fire service and ambulance crews had blankets around me, and because my clothes were wet they asked me to get out of them.

"They took me into an ambulance and they put more foil blankets on me while I was still shivering away."

PC Nadeem was then taken to Fairfield General Hospital, where he was given treatment for hypothermia for around two hours.

Despite his ordeal, PC Nadeem suffered no further injuries so was discharged.

It is understood that the man is also receiving treatment following the incident.

PC Nadeem returned to work the next day but had to wear his spare uniform and borrow some shoes as his were still drying.

Fellow officers praised his bravery and selflessness.

Superintendent Rick Jackson, of GMP's Bury Borough, said: "As with any incident that we respond to, the safety of the public is our number one priority and sometimes that means putting them first, ahead of your own safety.

"Without hesitation, PC Nadeem dived off an eight foot drop into freezing, deep and fast moving water.

"The man is now safe and receiving the treatment he needs.

"I'd like to personally commend PC Nadeem's actions which were a prime example of why people join the force — to protect people and make sure they are away from harm.

"He's also gained the nickname The Hoff by his colleagues so I'm sure he won't be forgetting this anytime soon."