Labour of love as police deliver

The babies and mother are doing well after their dramatic delivery

When two police officers were flagged down by a panicking man in the small hours of the morning, they feared a crime was being committed.

The man did need help, but not because he was a victim of an offence.

His wife was in his car - giving birth to twins. The officers rolled up their sleeves and helped deliver the babies.

Pcs James King and Karen Brownlow from Greater Manchester Police have been praised by their bosses after the drama at 0215 BST on Thursday in Salford.

Chief Superintendent Brian Wroe from GMP said: "It just shows that sometimes you really can find a police officer when you need one."

It was quite amazing that we were part of this; it was fantastic to see the babies being born Pc James King

The officers, from the Park Lane subdivision, were responding to a call in Higher Broughton, Salford, when the father, who has not been named, flagged them down.

When they arrived at the car, the mother had already given birth to a girl.

The child was wrapped in Pc Brownlow's police jacket and placed on the mother's chest.

Pc King then got into the driver's seat to offer support when he was told the woman was expecting twins.

A few minutes later the second girl was born with the help of the officers, the father and staff at the Communications Room - who offered advice via the police radio system.

Proud parents

Pc King noticed the second baby girl had the umbilical cord wrapped around her head and he removed it.

As both officers provided support and reassurance, paramedics arrived at the scene and the new family were taken to Hope Hospital, where the twins and the mother are said to be doing fine.

It was a very cold night which is why I wrapped them in my jacket Pc Karen Brownlow

Pc King said: "It was quite amazing that we were part of this.

"It was fantastic to see the babies being born and I'm just glad that the whole family is doing well and that we were able to help.

"This is not something you have to deal with everyday."

Pc Brownlow added: "It was a very cold night and we knew that the babies had to be kept warm which is why I wrapped them in my jacket.

"We just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

"I'm just happy that the family are doing well and I hope to visit them in hospital soon."

Chief Superintendent Wroe added: "Our very best wishes go out to the proud parents and of course to the twins.

"Earlier this week I spoke with our latest recruits.

"I told them that, as police officers, they never know what they will come across next.

"This proves the point."