Telford student praised for saving man's life

A Shropshire student has been hailed a hero by police after saving a man's life when he threatened to jump off a bridge in Telford.

Aron Rowe had hopped off a train at Telford Train Station when he noticed a man climbing over the railing above a busy main road.

The 21-year-old, of Woodside, Telford, grabbed the man as he went to jump. He pulled him back over the railings and held him, along with some friends, until officers arrived to help.

Superintendent Gary Higgins, from West Mercia Police, has now written to the student and praised him for his actions last September.

Aron's mother, Debbie Rowe, 42, said she was extremely proud of her son who, she added, has learning difficulties.

"I am extremely proud of what Aron has done, it was very brave," said Miss Rowe.

"I have watched people on the Pride of Britain Awards and thought Aron has done something as amazing as that.

"He said he didn't think anything of it and just went to help the man.

"We will never know what would have happened if he didn't step in to help but I doubt it would have been anything nice.

"The police have praised him and I would like to think that at some point he would get an award for what he has done.

"Young people get a bad name these days, but this goes to show what they can do."

In the letter, Superintendent Higgins said: "I would like to thank you personally for taking the time and great effort in preventing a male attempting to harm himself on the bridge at Telford Railway Station.

"Restraint of this man by you, and by your friends, without doubt saved this man serious injury.

"As a result of your action, we were able to attend and prevent any further attempt at self-harm.

"It is always pleasing to hear of the goodwill, co-operation and assistance of members of the public like yourself helping us to live and work in a safer and better place, thank you."

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said the force recently held an awards ceremony for citizen heroes with another one expected in the new year, but as yet no list has been drawn up.

By Jason Lavan