A PCSO who saved a vulnerable woman in Whitchurch threatening to kill herself has been recognised in a recent award ceremony.

Melody Kness, who is training to be a police constable, received the award at the Chief Constable Awards for “selfless” actions last May.

Following a call regarding a 24-year-old woman in Whitchurch, PCSO Kness immediately tried to find her.

On arrival the lady was in a distressed state and started to run towards the A34 dual carriageway and a bridge over the railway line.

PCSO Kness chased after the woman and gave radio updates to the control room.

She had to physically restrain the woman from attempting to jump over the bridge and take her own life for nearly eight minutes until colleagues arrived.

In that time PCSO Kness was able, through good communication and empathy, to calm the lady down sufficiently enough to find out that she had taken an overdose.

The Chief Constable Awards are a chance to recognise excellent police work, as well as the courageous acts of members of the public who have taken action to protect others.

Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney presented the awards at the ceremony.

She said: “It fills me with great pride to present these awards to my officers, staff and those members of the public.

“It is my honour to recognise these acts of professionalism, courage and dedication which have saved lives, protected our homes and supported those who are most in need.

“It is encouraging to know that there are so many people within our force and within our communities who are committed to making Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a better place to live and work.”