OFFICERS have been praised after saving a hanging man's life by holding him up for more than five minutes until further help arrived.

Cumbria Police bosses have praised the 'professionalism and determination' of PC Callum Rushton and acting sergeant Adrian Dobson after they acted 'without hesitation' to brace the man's feet on their shoulders and use their strength to hold him up.

Deputy Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary Rob Carden praised the men.

He said: “I’d first like to pass on my thoughts and best wishes, and that of our officers, to this man and sincerely hope that he gets the support he needs to make a full recovery.

“In what were particularly challenging circumstances, the officers – PC Callum Rushton and Acting Sergeant Adrian Dobson -  acted without hesitation to save the man’s life, whilst directing colleagues to the location to provide support. I am extremely proud of both officers and their colleagues for their professionalism and sheer determination to bring this dramatic rescue effort to a successful conclusion.

“As the national lead for Response Policing, I know it will be abundantly clear to everyone associated with policing that response officers are saving lives and protecting communities across the country each and every day. The work that our officers do is often unseen and riddled with complexity and unpredictability. For this reason alone, it is good to remind ourselves of the work that takes place in this key role that sits at the heart of the policing.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "We received a report in the early hours of Saturday 22nd October reporting concern for the welfare of a Carlisle man, aged in his 40s.

"Officers responded immediately and carried out a search of the local area before successfully locating the man, hanging, a short time later.

"Two officers were then able to take the man’s weight, by bracing his feet on their shoulders and physically holding him up for over five minutes whilst awaiting for further support from colleagues. When their colleagues arrived they successfully helped to cut the man down and remove him to safety.

"Fortunately, the man was breathing, conscious and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital to receive treatment."