Officers rescue woman trying to save dog from icy pond (From Your Local Guardian)

Officers rescue woman trying to save dog from icy pond

3:37pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Richmond By Christine Fleming

More plaudits: PC Tom Abounader, pictured here with Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs, may well have saved the woman's life

Officers saved a woman who plunged into icy water trying to save her dog from a lake in Richmond Park.

Southwark police officers PC Tom Abounader and PC Chris Denby were walking through Richmond Park at about 2pm on Thursday when they spotted a woman shuffling across a frozen lake in the centre of the park trying to reach a small black dog splashing around in the water.

As the woman neared the animal the ice gave way underneath her, leaving her submerged in the freezing cold water and in need of help.

Southwark police Superintendent, Peter Ayling, whose officers aided the woman when she fell through the ice, praised his colleagues’ quick thinking.

He said: “The bravery, tenacity and dedication shown by the off-duty officers could well have saved the woman’s life.

“Their ability to act swiftly and decisively to the situation is a credit to themselves and the public they serve.”

PC Abounader edged over the ice to help the woman out of the lake, crawling more than 50m on the unstable surface to get close enough to drag her out, while PC Denby tried to coax the now recued dog back to shore, where he wrapped it in his coat.

Ten metres from the shoreline the ice under PC Abounader gave way but by then the water was shallow enough to stand in and the pair was soon on dry land, where the officer gave his rescue victim his coat and gloves to warm up.

The woman refused medical assistance but did receive medical advice from the officers.

Police reminded the public not to go on to icy lakes or ponds.