Special constables praised for heroic river rescue in Warmington
Officers save man's life after locating him in the River Nene
Three special constables were credited with saving a man's life after a dramatic rescue in Warmington.
The incident unfolded at 7.40pm on Thursday, 30th July 2026, when Northamptonshire Police received a call from someone worried about a man's welfare.
The search involved Northampton Search & Rescue and the National Police Air Service (NPAS), leading to the man's discovery in the River Nene opposite Elton Quarry at 11.20pm.
The officers involved in the rescue were SC Lorna Montecalvo, SC Pete Isom, and SC Sophie Hyde—Hyde was on her first shift.
SC Hyde spotted the man in the water, enabling SC Montecalvo to enter the river, guided by the torchlight held by SC Hyde.
Montecalvo swam out, pulling the unconscious man to the shore with the assistance of SC Isom, who was also submerged in the water.
With help from a member of the public, the team brought the man to safety.
Commendation for Bravery
Tactical Flight Officer Ian Worthington from NPAS commended the officers: “I cannot praise the actions of these three officers enough. We were astounded by their bravery.”
Neil Balderson, Incident Commander at Northamptonshire Search & Rescue, added his praise, emphasising the life-saving actions of the constables.
Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet expressed gratitude for the officers' bravery: “They represent the very best of policing, they saved this man's life, and we are extremely lucky to have them at Northamptonshire Police.”
Acknowledgment was also given to the member of the public who assisted in the rescue.