A Southend police officer has received a top award praising his actions after he helped to save a man’s life.

Det Con Glen Crosby, who works at Southend CID, was among seven Essex officers to receive the Chief Constable’s commendations during a special ceremony at Chelmsford HQ.

Mr Crosby received the commendation for his quick-thinking and bravery that helped him to save a security guard’s life.

He was at a court in Southend when the guard had collapsed and was not breathing.

Without hesitation, Mr Crosby immediately commenced CPR until an ambulance crew arrived.

He was praised by paramedics who stated that his quick actions undoubtedly saved the man’s life.

The security guard, who Essex Police have not identified, later made a full recovery.

Addressing the group at the ceremony, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “The officers here today represent the best of British policing. Each officer acted without hesitation and their quick thinking has saved lives. Saving a life is a remarkable thing to do and I’m proud of each and every one of you today.”

Sgt Paul Gooding, from Chelmsford, received a commendation for his dedication and professionalism when attending an incident in August 2016 where a woman, suffering from mental illness, was on the top floor of a multi-storey car park and threatening to jump.

Paul slowly approached the woman and after calmly engaging with her, he was able to build a good rapport with her and helped her climb back to safety.

Sgt Benjamin Felton, from Maldon, was commended for his quick-thinking and bravery that helped him to save a woman’s life. In February, Benjamin was called to an incident in Maldon where a woman was stuck in the mud in a river.

Without hesitation, Benjamin entered the water, putting himself in danger and started to dig out the mud trapping the woman. He carried on digging until the arrival of the fire service and together, they were able to free the woman.

Four officers received commendations for their dedication and professionalism when dealing with a crash in north Essex.

The team, two from Stansted Airport, worked together to cut a man free from the wreckage and immediately commenced CPR.