Bury PC 'The Hoff' awarded after jumping in River Irwell to save man

PC Mohammed Nadeem, who was a student officer at the time, jumped into the cold waters of the River Irwell in February 2018, after officers received reports of a distressed man on a bridge. 

Several officers had been deployed but once PC Nadeem saw the man had gone beneath the water, he jumped from an 8ft drop into the Irwell to save him.  

Image from the bodycam footage of the rescue (Image: Archive)

Following the incident, PC Nadeem picked up a national Police Bravery Award and was amazed when Baywatch star David Hasselhoff appeared on screen to congratulate him, gaining him the nickname "The Hoff" by his colleagues.  

Read more: River rescue PC, Mohammed Nadeem, wins national bravery award

At the time of the rescue, PC Nadeed admitted he was “not a great swimmer” and it was only when he was back on dry land that he realised how cold he was.  

He told the Bury Times at the time: “When I got out I was seriously cold, I couldn’t feel my legs much at one point.” 

He was wearing body armour and personal safety equipment as there wasn’t time to remove the items and the water was fast-moving, deep and very cold.  

PC Nadeem (Image: Archive)

The man was swimming away from the officer in the direction of a dangerous weir but PC Nadeem caught up with him. 

Read more: River rescue hero PC "The Hoff" Nadeem in Brave Britons awards finals

He then remained in the water with the man until a ladder was lowered down to assist them in getting out. 

Following the rescue, he was taken to Fairfield General Hospital, where he was given treatment for hypothermia for around two hours. 

PC Nadeem (Image: GMP)

His heavily pregnant wife did not know about the rescue at the time and found out when the story hit headlines and social media.  

Four years on, PC Nadeem has now received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery, the last set of awards to have been handed out in the name of the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

Read more: David Hasselhoff praises heroic police officer who jumped into river to rescue man and dubs him 'the new Hoff'

Speaking about the award winners, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: “We all hope we’d react with courage in the face of danger.  

Still from David Hasselhoff's video (Image: GMP)

“These people have lived through that test, and responded in the most admirable way. 

“Their selfless actions have saved lives, and I want to express profound thanks for their willingness to put themselves in danger to protect others. 

“They are all extremely worthy winners of the final Civilian Gallantry awards of Her Majesty the late Queen.” 

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