Mother thanks 'police midwives'

The babies are recovering in Hope Hospital, Salford.

A mother has thanked two police officers who helped her give birth to twins in a car in Greater Manchester.

Neeley Owens, 19, of Higher Broughton, Salford, went into labour in the early hours of Thursday.

Her 26-year-old partner Des O'Neil flagged down Pcs James King and Karen Brownlow, both 26, as they thought they would not get to hospital on time.

Ms Owens said: "The officers were absolutely brilliant, I could not have done it without them."

The Greater Manchester Police officers helped deliver twin girls Ashley and Abbie.

The officers were absolutely fantastic and I owe them a huge thank you Neeley Owens

Ms Owens said: "When I saw the officers, I was so relieved. Even though they didn't have an ambulance with them, I was like 'Thank God'.

"I knew when I got into the car that I didn't have time but Des didn't believe me.

"He was driving so fast and I was saying `don't crash'. He did really well though, most men would have fainted."

'Doing fine'

The officers wrapped first baby Ashley in a jacket and placed her on Neeley's chest.

Abbie was delivered a few minutes later with help from Mr O'Neil and control room staff via the police radio.

Pc King took the umbilical cord from around Abbie's head and wrapped her in the jacket.

Ms Owens added: ""The officers were absolutely fantastic and I owe them a huge thank you."

Ms Owens, who has another daughter, Kayleigh, aged 18 months, said the twins were doing fine.

Ashley weighs 6lb 3oz and Abbie 4lb 3oz and both are recovering in the intensive care unit at Hope Hospital, Salford.