TWO Police Community Support Officers have been hailed heroes after saving the life of a woman who threw herself into the lake at Coate Water.

The drama unfolded yesterday morning after the woman, in her 30s, discharged herself from Great Western Hospital before attempting to end her life in the lake at the country park.

The hospital immediately informed the police that the woman had left hospital as she was deemed to be in danger and a regarded as a level 1 missing person, which is the most serious.

PCSOs Ollie Bent and Melissa Camilleri began a search of Coate Water when they spied a bag and some shoes left at the end of one of the jetties.

PCSO Bent, 27, said: “I looked out onto the water and could see what looked like a buoy, but it was a head.

“I shouted for her to swim in but she did not respond – I tried again to make contact but there was nothing.

“I jumped into the water and swam over to her. She turned around and told me to leave her where she was and that she didn’t want any help.

“I tried to pull her back to safety but she started to fight with me.

“I managed to pull her back to land, by which time Melissa had called for assistance and the ambulance crews were there waiting for her.

“I didn’t really think anything of it – I was just doing my job.”

PCSO Bent said that he used to be a lifeguard at the Oasis leisure centre so was confident in jumping into the murky water to save the woman’s life.

Sergeant Chris Palframan has praised the actions of his two brave colleagues and said they have proved that PCSOs do an invaluable job in the town.

He said: “All of us are very proud of them.

“They were doing their duty but have gone above and beyond. This goes to show we are one big police family and we are doing our best to provide and protect a safe community.”

The woman was taken back to GWH where it is thought she is recovering well following the incident.