Ouse Bridge and River incidents

York City NPT Officers would like to extend our sincere thanks to the two young schoolgirls who approached us on Low Ousegate in York.

Whilst on patrol, we were flagged down by these two children who told us there was a man standing on top of the Ouse Bridge wall, appearing as though he might jump into the river. Their quick thinking and confidence in coming straight to the police allowed officers to reach the man within moments and ensure he received the help and support he needed to stay safe.

There were many people around at the time, but it was these two young girls who chose to speak up — and their actions made a real difference.

We are truly sorry that we didn’t get the chance to take your names or find out which school you attend, but please know that your courage and willingness to act are deeply appreciated. This situation could have ended very differently, and your intervention helped prevent a potential tragedy.

Thank you — you should be incredibly proud of yourselves.

Furthermore, the same officers have just been on patrol in the city and came across a young student, clearly worse for wear, sitting on steps near the river and being sick into the floodwater.

The river is currently high and continuing to rise. Situations like this are exactly how people end up in serious danger. Sadly, we’ve seen incidents in the past where individuals in a similar state have fallen into the water and not made it back out.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves in our city — it’s what York is all about — but please stay well away from the river when you’ve been drinking. It only takes one slip, and tonight could very easily have been one of those moments.

Your safety is our priority, and we want you to get home safely.