TWO officers whose quick actions saved the life of a man have been awarded for their bravery. 

PC Henry Thomas and PC Louis McGrail have received a British Transport Police (BTP) Federation Excellence Award for their ‘brave efforts’ and ‘quick thinking’ after being called to Basingstoke train station on Monday, February 20 following an alleged theft. 

A man had been arrested and then released before becoming aggressive towards the officers, who work for BTP, after they refused to return his non-prescription drugs. 

The man climbed a tree opposite the station, threatening to take his own life and assault the officers if they attempted to remove him.

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Hampshire Constabulary was called, with concerns for the safety of the man and the officers.

The fire service was called to help remove the man from the tree, however, he suddenly tried to take his own life and the officers intervened. 

PC McGrail said: “Henry and I ran over to the bottom of the tree and I boosted Henry up into the tree because it was over 5ft to the first branch, and then I was boosted in by another officer.

"I grabbed hold of the man’s legs, then Henry took hold of him, and we lowered him into the arms of officers below.”

PC Thomas added: “Obviously there was a massive concern. It was an instinctive reaction, to be honest: get up there, get him down safely.”

The officers spent 11 hours with the man, attempting to calm him, and eventually leaving him in the care of medical professionals, who took him to hospital for his welfare. 

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The awards took place on Wednesday, September 13 in Southampton where PC Thomas and PC McGrail received the award in recognition of their actions in saving a man's life.

The officers said they were ‘honoured’ to receive the award.

PC Thomas said: “I feel very proud and honoured to receive this award from the federation. As a police officer, the number-one goal is to protect life and limb, so at the end of the day it was my job.”

PC McGrail continued: “I’m very happy that the federation has recognised us for this award and honoured to receive it.”

The winners of the awards were chosen by a panel of representatives from the federation.

British Transport Police Federation chair Stuart Cowan added: “Police officers do much more than fight crime. We also protect people and save their lives and that’s just what Henry and Louis did that day.

“This pair’s brave efforts and quick thinking ultimately saved someone’s life. They are worthy winners of the British Transport Police Federation Excellence Awards. We are very proud of their work.”