A GOOD Samaritan who stopped to talk to a distressed man has been praised by Greater Manchester Police.

Bianca Sharples, aged 30, from Prestwich, received a bravery award from the force for her intervention.

She was driving to work in February when she approached the Junction 19 bridge over the M62 and saw a young man climbing the railings and after feeling compelled to stop Ms Sharples made her way back around the roundabout and parked nearby.

Ms Sharples approached the young man and asked if he was alright.

He showed clear signs that he had previously been crying and replied that he had 'had enough and did not want to carry on'.

After attempting to engage in small talk with the young man, he returned to bridge footpath several times before again climbing the railings to lean over the edge of the busy M62 motorway below.

During this time, Ms Sharples tried to wave down a number of passing vehicles using the junction during the morning rush hour. However, in the space of half an hour, no one came to her assistance.

As the man refused to come down from the railings, Ms Sharples asked if he would like to sit her in car or go for a coffee and talk. Making her way to her vehicle, she called the police.

Within minutes two police were on the scene and calmly engaged with the man.

Realising the officers were in control of the situation Ms Sharples headed to work. It was only when she arrived at her workplace that the enormity of what had just happened became clear.

A few days later she received a call from one of the officers, letting her know that the 18 year-old man was placed under the Section 136 Mental Health Act but was now back with his family and receiving proper medical care.

Ms Sharples said: “I was overwhelmed when I heard that had been nominated for this award.

“At the time, I just felt something wasn’t right when I saw the man on the bridge, I just had a gut feeling that I had to stop and make sure he was alright.

“I was relieved to find out later that he was safe, back with his family and receiving the care he needed.”

Constable Ian Hopkins, who presented Bianca with her bravery award said: “Bianca showed great courage and compassion in helping a vulnerable young man in what must have been an emotionally difficult situation.

“Bianca must be commended for remaining calm throughout and for continuing to engage with man until officers arrived.

“I and the officers involved have no doubts that Bianca’s actions helped to save a life that day.”