Top cop saves man from sea at Whitley Bay

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton had been taking her pet dog Arthur for a walk on the beach on Wednesday evening after her shift had ended.

But while walking near Spanish City in Whitley Bay at about 7.10pm on Wednesday, Chief Supt Hutton spotted a man struggling in the sea.

After a closer look and confirmation from a by-stander, she called her colleagues on 999 requesting help before wading in after him to attempt to bring him to safety.

The man was in a confused state and struggling against the tide, while members of the public raced to assist and together they brought the man to safety.

A passing nurse advised Chief Sup Hutton and members of the public to put the man into the recovery position while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

The man was checked over by an ambulance crew at the scene who confirmed he had not suffered any serious injuries. However, he was transferred to hospital as a precaution.

Chief Sup Hutton said: “Anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore my dog Arthur, but in this situation there was no time to lose and he didn’t get so much as a backward glance as I raced towards the water.

“After 28 years in policing, training just kicks in and it’s not an option not to help a person in need.

“It wasn’t an easy rescue but thankfully a few heroic members of the public were quick to come to the rescue and together we all managed to safely get the man out of the water and away from danger.

“Thanks to all who assisted – you were incredibly brave and it’s always amazing to see how compassionate and helpful those who live in our Force area truly are.”

A sodden Chief Sup Hutton was reunited with her beloved Arthur, who had frantically watched the scene unfold but stayed put on the beach.

She added: “I hope my next walk is more relaxing but I’ll never be someone to not help a person in need and I am so thankful I was there to help.”