River Irwell rescue PC kept woman afloat

A police officer who helped a woman hang on to the side of the bank of a fast-flowing river in Salford has been praised for her "selfless heroism".

Lesley Coban fell into the River Irwell after trying to rescue her dog which had gone into the water on Saturday.

She was hanging on to a branch which snapped and left her clinging to the root of a tree unable to escape.

The female officer jumped in and was able to keep the woman hanging on until more help arrived.

Chief Inspector Vinny Greener, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "I have no doubt the bravery and quick thinking of this officer prevented Lesley from being swept away by the river.

"There was heavy rain on Saturday which made the freezing cold river flow very quickly, making it a very serious hazard and the officer knew that this was a life threatening situation."

Ms Coban was walking her dog along the river bank in Agecroft when her dog got into difficulties.