A HEROIC police officer dramatically jumped into a freezing river waters to rescue a man.

PC Mohammed Nadeem jumped eight feet into the fast-moving River Irwell to pull the man from the water. 

The actions of the student officer, who has now been nicknamed 'The Hoff' by his colleagues, were decribed as 'a prime example of why people join the force'.

Fire crews from Whitefield used a ladder to pull the two men, believed to be in their 30s, to safety.

The incident happened near Dumers Lane in Radcliffe at around 2pm on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to Hardys Gate Bridge, over the River Irwell, to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.

Specialist Officers from GMP attended and began negotiating with the man but after a short time, the man fell into the river and was in distress.

He was able to grab hold of him and drag him to safety, where he was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital to receive treatment.

Police and fire officers were concerned for the two men's safety due to high water levels in the river and their proximity to a weir.

Specialist teams including officers from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also attended but on seeing the man in the water, PC Nadeem, a student officer, jumped into the river and swam towards him.

Superintendent Rick Jackson of GMP’s Bury Borough, said: “As with any incident that we respond to, the safety of the public is our number one priority and sometimes that means putting them first, ahead of your own safety.

“Without hesitation, PC Nadeem dived off an 8 foot drop into freezing, deep and fast moving water. The man is now safe and receiving the treatment he needs.

“I’d like to personal commend PC Nadeem’s actions which were a prime example of why people join the force – to protect people and make sure they are away from harm. 

“He’s also gained the nickname ‘The Hoff’ by his colleagues so I’m sure he won’t be forgetting this anytime soon!”

Whitefield Fire Service crew manager, Ted Dorrington, said: "The river was in flood so it was quite deep.

"The issue that we had was that they were only 10 or 15 feet from a weir which recycles, having a tumble drier effect, so we were wary of that.

"It is a big hazard on a river, especially with it being in flood."

The men were in a state of near hypothermia when they were pulled from the river.

They were then handed over to paramedics from Whitefield ambulance service who dried them off and took them hospital.

Mr Dorrington said: "The police officer was that cold that we had to take his clothing off and put a foil blanket on him.

"He was shivering and dithering when we got him in to the ambulance."

The incident was attended by four fire engines, including a technical response engine, for around half an hour — alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service.