Vulnerable Person Helped by Police

Last Wednesday, officers responded to reports of a man with a knife threatening members of the public. Officers carried out a thorough search and located him on the riverbank near Woolwich Pier.

They made their way down onto the foreshore and calmly challenged him, safely bringing the situation under control and detain him. With the route back off the foreshore no longer safe, they called for support from our marine colleagues.

A police boat was deployed to provide safety cover, while a second boat, designed to operate in shallow water, came in close to the riverbank to safely bring both the officers and the detained man off the foreshore.

The man was experiencing a mental health crisis and had self-harmed. Thanks to the quick actions and teamwork of all involved, the situation was safely resolved, and he was able to get the medical care he needed.

This incident highlights the risks of the River Thames foreshore, where uneven ground, hidden hazards and fast-changing tides can quickly become dangerous. Our specialist marine teams are trained to operate in these challenging environments and are available 24/7 to support incidents on or near the water.