Commons safety workers praised for rescuing man from Thames

The Commons Speaker has hailed the bravery of Parliament’s safety crew after they saved a person who fell into the River Thames close to the constructing.

Ron Dowson and Habibi Syaaf got here to the rescue on Tuesday after the person was discovered submerged within the freezing water.

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle mentioned the duo, and one other man who alerted the officers after seeing the incident on CCTV, ought to be recognised for his or her actions.

Mr Syaaf mentioned they had been “not heroes” and “did what we had been educated for”.

The incident passed off on Victoria Tower Gardens, on the north aspect of the Thames.

Mr Syaaf, a Met Police constable, and Mr Dowson, a part of Parliament’s safety element, discovered the person clinging to the steps and “struggling to breathe”.

“I received all the way down to the final step and urged him to present me his hand, however as I did he misplaced his grip from a metallic mooring ring and began drifting away,” defined Mr Syaaf, who has solely been working in Parliament for 2 months.

“I simply shouted ‘seize my hand’ and managed to drag him again onto step one… The man was shaking and couldn’t converse.

“I’m simply so grateful he survived. I am not a hero – Ron and I simply did what we’re educated for and what we may do to assist.”

Sir Lindsay additionally praised the fast pondering of management room operator Dave Thomas. He noticed the person falling into the water on CCTV and alerted the officers in addition to the Police Marine Unit.

“There is no doubt in my thoughts that if it had not been for Ron, Habib and Dave Thomas, that man may have drowned,” he mentioned.

“We’re so fortunate to have so many courageous safety workers taking care of us in Parliament but additionally maintaining individuals within the neighborhood protected. I want to suppose their bravery may very well be recognised.”