A Braintree detective has been praised for saving a woman’s life on his way home from a late shift.

Dc Dave Smith was on his way home on January 7 when he spotted a dark figure kneeling on the floor on a bridge in Chelmsford.

He turned round to get a better view and saw a woman looking down at the road below.

Concerned for her welfare, the officer parked up and walked over cautiously, reassuring her that he was there to help.

She was highly distressed and Dave was mindful that the temperature was rapidly dropping. He continued to reassure her and after 15 minutes, he was able to get her to his car and take her home.

He reported the incident to the control room while reassuring the woman and she was met at her house shortly after by uniformed officers who took her to get the help she needed.

Dc Dave Smith said: “I saw the woman kneeling on the pathway and it struck me as strange.

“I went back to check that she was ok and ended up talking to her for around 15 minutes. It was just the right thing to do.

“I’d like to think anyone else would offer to help in the same circumstances. Just saying hello can make all the difference.”