Heroic policeman from Rochdale presented with bravery award

PC Mohammed Nadeem at 10 Downing Street

A heroic policeman from Rochdale who single-handedly saved a man from an icy river has won a prestigious Police Bravery Award.

PC Mohammed Nadeem was named as the Region 1 (North West) winner at the 23rd national Police Bravery Awards on 12 July, hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales.

The awards honour and recognise police officers who perform outstanding acts of bravery.

PC Nadeem, who lives in Rochdale, won the award after he jumped into the fast-flowing river River Irwell in February this year to save a drowning man - despite not being a strong swimmer.

On seeing the distressed man struggling in the water, PC Nadeem jumped an 8ft drop into the river and swam towards him. The brave officer was still wearing his heavy protective clothing, as there had been no time to take it off, and his body camera, which captured footage of the whole incident.

The man tried to swim away towards a dangerous weir, but PC Nadeem caught up, grabbed hold of him and dragged him to safety. The man whose life the officer saved was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital to receive treatment.

PC Nadeem was nicknamed 'the Hoff' by colleagues and friends for his heroic actions, prompting the real Hoff himself to tweet about it at the time.  David Hasselhoff also sent a video message to the winning officer to be played at the ceremony.

PC Nadeem said: "I am very happy to be here and to get this award. Just being a nominee was a great feeling but actually winning is amazing. And David Hasselhoff giving a video message about what I have done - that recognition is just brilliant.

"It’s an amazing feeling being here and knowing what officers have put themselves through. It’s something that I will never forget being in a room with such heroes."

Calum Macleod, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The courage and professionalism shown by PC Nadeem went above and beyond the normal call of duty. He showed exceptional bravery, and thoroughly deserves to win this award. Thank you for your dedication to helping to keep the public safe”.

Stephen Mann, CEO of sponsors Police Mutual, said: “Over the last 10 years, Police Mutual has been proud to have sponsored such an inspirational event in the policing calendar and for my colleagues and I to be able to show our respect for the exceptional courage shown by police officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public and keep us safe."