AFTER risking their lives to drag a drowning unconscious man from very rough seas, two Suffolk police officers have been nominated for a prestigious national award.

AFTER risking their lives to drag a drowning unconscious man from very rough seas, two Suffolk police officers have been nominated for a prestigious national award.

Constables David Colbridge and Christopher Clark have been honoured for the national Police Bravery Award after pulling a suicidal man from high seas last October.

The pair of brave officers have been shortlisted for the 13th annual awards ceremony, which are hosted in partnership with The Sun newspaper and held in London next Thursday, July 10.

PCs Colbridge and Clark were informed by Great Yarmouth Coast Guard that a suicidal man had gone missing near the seafront at Lowestoft in the early hours of an October morning in 2007.

Constable Colbridge began a search and about an hour later he spotted the soaking wet man who was also bleeding from his face. The sea was terrifyingly rough; dangerous waves smashed against the rocks at the seafront and the officer could see that the man had again entered the water by jumping into a man-made gully.

Constable Clark stopped his colleague from jumping in after him and got an emergency lifeline so that both officers could enter the freezing gully. The man was being swept out to sea when a huge wave hit and smashed him into rocks, knocking him unconscious. Then another large wave threw his body towards the officers, allowing them to grab hold of him. They dragged him from the sea and up the steps to safety.

Both men acted with bravery and professionalism, stopping at nothing to save this man's life.

Matt Gould, Chairman of Suffolk Police Federation said: “We are delighted that PCs Colbridge and Clark's bravery has been recognised and that they have been put forward for this most prestigious national award, amongst the numerous examples of bravery shown by officers throughout the country.

“It should also be remembered that Suffolk Constabulary officers put their lives on the line on a daily basis for the people of Suffolk. “They consider this their duty,” he added.

The Police Bravery Awards honour police officers across England and Wales for their actions to tackle criminals and keep the public safe.