A HEROIC cop who saved a woman’s life by catching her when she jumped from a bridge on the A12 has been honoured for her bravery.

Detective Sergeant Hayley Lambert who works in the Tendring rural region which includes Harwich, Dovercourt, Manningtree and Mistley, was awarded the Wilson Trophy for the most courageous act of the year at the Essex Police Awards at a glitzy bash in Chelmsford.

Det Sgt Lambert was off duty at the time when she was driving near Marks Tey in the early hours of the morning and spotted a woman on the wrong side of the railings.

“I thought I saw someone so dialled 999 and went to investigate,” she said.

“After breaking the ice I spoke to her for about 20 minutes.

“I noticed she had some cigarettes in her pocket so asked for one even though I don’t smoke. It was disgusting.

“When police arrived to put a block on the nearby roundabout she panicked and jumped backwards.

“I managed to grab hold of her until I could pull her back over the edge.

“She had been suffering with mental health issues but I am glad she got the help she needs.”