Dramatic moment woman pulled from sea after slipping off wall

A woman broke "down in tears" after she was rescued from the sea in Blackpool. Dramatic bodycam footage captured the moment a "hero" police officer threw a life ring down to a woman who had slipped off the sea defence walls just as the tide was starting to rapidly come in.

PC Nelson was talking to the public earlier this week, during Blackpool's annual 'Ride the Lights' event, and was keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. But Lancashire Constabulary said he "couldn't have imaged what was about to unfold".

He quickly spotted the lady who had fallen down to the sea and, knowing the danger she'd be in, PC Nelson, along with his colleagues Sgt Higgs, PC Dixon and PC Walker, ran to help, throwing a life ring out and pulling her to safety, reports Lancs Live.

In the footage, PC Nelson can be heard telling the woman: "Look at me. Listen, listen. I'm gonna help you. You're all right. Take a deep breath."

The officer can then be seen throwing the life ring down to the woman as he says: "Right, listen to me very carefully. I want you to put that round your waist, under your arms. 

"Take a good firm hold of that rope. What I'm going to do is I'm going to pull you up and I need you to walk. Hold tight, hold on tight."

When the woman is brought to safety, she then breaks down in tears as the officer says "you're fine, your okay". She is then safely escorted away from the area to avoid the incoming tide.

Sharing the bodycam footage on social media this afternoon (August 29) a force spokesperson said: "Whilst the lady was shaken, she received medical attention and has now made a full recovery thanks to PC Nelson’s incredibly swift actions, which just go to show that our officers have to be ready to attend to any kind of emergency at all times."

The post has been liked more than 1,000 times and received more than 150 comments from people praising the officers actions and wishing the lady a swift recovery. Josh Brandwood said: "Well done PC Nelson. I know the police get a hard press a lot of the time, but there are a lot of good officers out there. Kudos to Lancashire Police."

Lisa BM agreed, saying: "Amazing work! Let’s see more of this posted so hopefully the small minority that do not support the police will start to change their views!"

Leo Romagnolo wrote: "PC Nelson you had to make a split second decision to literally save a life. This lady and her family will be forever grateful for your fast thinking actions. It actually brought tears to my eyes. You really are a hero."

Laura Sparks penned: "Aww brought tears to my eyes did this lady, god love her and all of you officers that helped. Doesn't matter what your profession or job is, this just goes to show good human caring."

Fiona Mackin Walker added: "Amazing work from PC Nelson & his colleagues. What a terrifying experience for this lady."

Yvette Wright said: "Amazing work guys, well done. Quick thinking and actions saved the day. I hope the lady makes a good recovery mentally, she was clearly very distressed."