Video shows the moment police officers pull drowning man from River Trent

Video: CCTV captures the lifesaving rescue. (CCTV: Nottingham Forest Football Club)

Police have released CCTV footage capturing the moment two quick-thinking officers saved the life of a man who fell into the River Trent.

The CCTV shows the moments after a man fell into the water, with officers leaping into action to save him, including PC James Patterson who entered the water with a life ring tied with a rope.

PC Patterson swam out to the middle of the fast-flowing river and grabbed hold of the man while PC Paul Easter and a number of other officers worked together to pull them both to safety.

The man survived the incident was taken to hospital for treatment.

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PC James Patterson has been praised for his bravery and quick thinking.

Four of the officers who were most involved in the rescue have been recommended for a commendation or award following the incident on Saturday, 18 February.

PC Patterson said shortly after the incident: “Ever since I joined the police I have listened to similar incidents and imagined what I would do in a similar scenario, having been on the underwater search unit I have played this exact scene out in my mind and how I would react to it.

“The moment I started taking my clothes off to enter the water it became real but adrenaline kicked in and I just went in to auto pilot.

“When I was told that the male was now breathing again I had an overwhelming emotion of achievement that I can’t really explain.

“There are some things you train for thinking you will never get to put into action, to get that opportunity and to save a life as a result has given me one of those rare moments where you actually look in the mirror and think ‘well done you’.”

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The man was pulled from the water near Trent Bridge. (Picture: Insignia 3 CC BY-SA)

PC Patterson and PC Easter had been inside the City Ground after being deployed to Forest’s home match against Sheffield Wednesday when the incident unfolded.