PSNI officers have been praised for their courage after rescuing two men who got into difficulties while kayaking on the River Bann in Coleraine.
The rescue happened on Tuesday evening when dog walkers noticed the kayakers at around 6.20pm.
After being alerted by a 999 call, emergency services arrived at the scene, and saw the kayakers clinging to branches after having been caught in a strong tide.
With temperatures dropping, two police officers entered the water and were able to reach the two men with the assistance of colleagues on the riverbank.
The kayakers were pulled to the banks and were taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.
PSNI Chief Inspector Vince Redmond said: “I am delighted that these men were brought to safety, and that our officers showed such resourcefulness, skill and courage.
”Their work on Tuesday evening was the embodiment of ‘Keeping People Safe’ in our community.
”This was a fantastic example of collaborative working with our colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the indispensable volunteers of Community Rescue Service. There’s no doubt in my mind that lives were saved as a result.”
