POLICE officers caught hold of a man who had jumped from a bridge in a bid to take his own life.

The high-stakes rescue saw part of Thamesdown Drive closed-off on Monday night, while 999 crews negotiated with the man.

Praising the heroics of his officers, Wiltshire Police chief constable Kier Pritchard posted on social media: “Called series of officers to thank them for their courageous suicide intervention.

“They negotiated with a man for hours with a noose tied to a bridge and around his neck, he then jumped.

"The officers reached through the railings, took hold the man to allow his rescue. He survived.”

Police officers who saved the man could now be put forward for bravery awards.

Emergency services were called to a pedestrian bridge in North Swindon at around 11pm on Monday, August 6. An aerial appliance from Swindon Fire Station also attended the emergency call.

Wiltshire Police said at the time officers had helped the man down to safety. A road closure around the bridge was in place for several hours.

The Samaritans are available to help anybody in distress and can be reached at any time of the day or night free on 116 123 or by email at jo@samaritans.org.