Bravery awards for police officers

Kieran fell into Sprotborough Falls near Doncaster

Two police officers who tried to save an eight-year-old boy who had fallen into a fast-flowing river are to receive bravery awards.

Kieran Brady tumbled into the River Don at Sprotborough Falls near Doncaster in April 2002.

Pc Richard Payne and Pc Richard Tordoff were on separate patrols in the area when they went to his rescue.

They hauled him back to the river bank but efforts to save Kieran failed and he died.

Face down

The water had been turbulent, wide and deep with strong undercurrents.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Pc Payne and Pc Tordoff went into the fast-flowing water and, with little thought for their own safety, swam towards the boy, who was face down in the water."

The officers turned him over and began to tow him the 15 metres to the bank, attempting to resuscitate him on the way.

The two officers will receive the Chief Constable's certificate of commendation for bravery on Monday.