Hero PC praised for bravery after canal rescue leap in Camden Town

A Camden police officer has been praised for his courage after leaping into the canal to rescue an unconscious man after he apparently suffered a seizure.

PC Nick Azzopardi, based at Kentish Town, was on duty with a colleague by the Grand Union Canal in Camden Lock yesterday evening when they were informed that a man was in the water.

The officer jumped into the canal and pulled the man, aged in his 20s, to the side where both were helped out on to the towpath.

Both men were taken to hospital, where the rescued man regained consciousness and PC Azzopardi was treated for hypothermia.

Inspector Matt Casey of Camden Police said: “PC Azzopardi showed courage and bravery to deal with this incident in a decisive manner - behaviour we expect from Met officers. If it wasn’t for his quick actions, this incident could have had much more serious consequences.

“This once again highlights the dangers police officers face on a daily basis as they carry out their duties.”