Quick-thinking officers turned their belts into an improvised hoist to rescue a man dangling from a cliff edge.

The constables were called to Northfleet Quarry at around 6pm on Saturday, March 21 following reports a man intended to cause himself serious harm.

Police officers rescue the man

A team from North Kent arrived to find a man hanging from the side of the cliff at the disused site off Pier Road.

Officers estimated the drop to be at least 50 feet.

Three of the team climbed to the top and sought to reassure the man while a fourth member of the crew waited at the bottom, ready to provide first aid.

The team at the top then removed their belts and linked them together before one of the constables leaned over the cliff face to lower it to the man while his colleagues anchored him.

The improvised hoist was enough to hold his weight but could not pull him to safety.

At this point, one of the officers ran to a nearby address and obtained a piece of rope which was then used to hoist the man up.

Once safely lifted, he was handed into the care of medical professionals.

The rescue took around five minutes and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who were called, provided a prompt response and arrived at the same moment the man had been brought to safety.

Chief Inspector Neil Loudon, Kent Police’s District Commander for North Kent, said: "The outstanding work of these officers doubtlessly saved the life of a vulnerable man who was in serious danger.

"In what was a distressing situation, they remained calm and used their initiative to quickly stop an unpredictable incident turning into a tragic one. I am exceptionally proud of their work, they are a credit to Kent Police and the communities they serve."

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