A police officer fell several feet and broke his leg in two places as he grappled with a potential suicide jumper from Canvey who was about to throw himself from the top of a Basildon car park.
Basildon Council workers watched in horror from their offices in the town centre yesterday afternoon as the 17-year-old man sat on the highest point of the Great Oaks car park, dangling his legs over the terrifying drop.
Rescue - firefighters use an aerial platform for the rescue from the car park Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
They called police who raced from the station across the road and ran up nine flights of stairs to the man.
It is believed a struggle ensued and the man tried to leap. However, one of the two officers made a grab for him and the pair fell several feet.
On landing the officer sustained a fractured leg while the man injured his leg.
The other officer grabbed the man and handcuffed him to a nearby railing in an attempt to stop him jumping again.
Firefighters from Basildon fire station were then called to assist the officers.
Police have refused to reveal the identity of the man but say he was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment to his leg and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Published Thursday, April 10, 2003
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