A police officer has been hailed a hero after he helped to save three girls from tragedy when they became stuck in neck-deep water.
PC Martyn Burnikell was at an unrelated scene in Blyth on June 10 just after 8pm when a member of the public pulled up alongside the officers having received a message stating their child and friends were stuck in water at Blyth Riverside.
The officer hot footed his way to the Northumberland riverbank and scoured the river to locate the girls, who were over 50 metres from the bank and struggling in muddy, neck-deep water. PC Burnikell then assisted Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Blyth and Newbiggin Coastguard Team in the urgent rescue mission.
Blyth and Newbiggin Coastguard Team used their water rescue skills and tow lines to rescue the teenagers. And once safely back on land the three girls – aged between 14 and 15 - were wrapped up in warm blankets and transported to hospital by North East Ambulance Service to hospital to be checked over.
After hearing about the actions of one of his officers, Inspector Joe Rutherford has thanked PC Burnikell and presented him with a Commander's Compliment.
Inspector Rutherford said: "We are incredibly thankful for PC Burnikell's actions as without his intervention the situation could have ended very differently.
"What is clear to me is that PC Burnikell has a strong passion and dedication for his job and a drive to look after those living the community. He is always quick-thinking, happy to help and above all modest about the lengths he goes to in order to help, and those are some of the most desirable qualities an officer can have.
"He is a credit to not only his team but the wider force and I'm sure the public will share my thanks and gratitude for what he has done."
He added: "As ever, we'd always ask the public to recognise the potential risks when going into the water – and we'll always support our partners in their appeal to increase awareness and understanding of these dangers."
PC Burnikell, said: "It means a lot to me to have my actions recognised by the Force, but I think I speak on behalf of my fellow officers when I say our actions are never motivated by praise or higher recognition.
"I joined Northumbria Police because I want to help people and my instincts just kicked in – I'm so glad I was in the right place at the right time, otherwise who knows what could have happened.
"I want to thank all the agencies involved for how we responded as a collective to this situation. I'm proud to have been a part of this incident, and I hope the public are reassured to know that we are all here to help when you need us most."
Stu Holliday, head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response at North East Ambulance Service, said: "We are glad to hear that the girls involved in this incident were located and rescued quickly, and that they were able to receive medical attention due to the swift work of all those involved.
"This incident serves as a timely reminder about water safety, especially during warmer weather. What can often seem like harmless fun, can very quickly turn into a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
"We recommend that people stay out of open bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, for their own safety, and make themselves aware of lifeguards when at the beach. If you do find yourself in trouble however, please follow the 'float to live' advice, lying flat on your back and using your arms and legs to help you float. If you spot someone else in trouble, do not enter the water and instead call 999 quickly."
PC Burnikell's award comes during National #ResponsePolicingWeek where forces across the UK are celebrating and acknowledging the outstanding contribution that response officers make in their community.
