Three young men hailed as Good Samaritans for helping 'person in crisis' at river

A group of three young men have been praised for "preventing a tragedy" after coming to the aid of a person "experiencing a crisis" in a Co Tyrone town.

The group of young men spotted the person on Tuesday evening on "the far side of the railings" at Drumragh Avenue in Omagh, which crosses the river in the centre of the county town.

They ran to the person's aid, who was described by police as "very upset and agitated", and grabbed them to stop them entering the water. The group stayed with them, police said, until emergency services arrived to ensure their safety.

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Details of the heroic rescue efforts were given in an update posted by the PSNI in the Fermanagh and Omagh policing district.

Writing on social media site Facebook, a PSNI Fermanagh and Omagh spokesperson said: "Erne North Neighbourhood Team were working in Omagh last night with our Local Policing Team colleagues. We wanted to share a good news story regarding some young men from Omagh.

"Just after 8pm, three young men were on Drumragh Avenue when they spotted a individual experiencing a crisis on the far side of the railings.

"They ran to that person and grabbed them to stop them entering the river, preventing a tragedy. The young men then called 999 and stayed with that person, who was very upset and agitated until police arrived and then helped the police get the individual back over the railings to safety. Police and ambulance staff were then able to ensure that person's safety and wellbeing."

The police spokesperson added: "If it wasn't for their quick thinking and calm way of dealing with the person in distress, things may have had a very different outcome.

"The young men know who they are, but their families and the Omagh community in general should be very proud! Well done!"

Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

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