Three Suffolk police officers have been commended for saving a man’s life in an Ipswich park.

PCs Phil Burton, Glenn Perkins and Shane Stout are set to receive Royal Humane Society certificates of commendation for their actions last summer.

The response team colleagues, based at Landmark House, were sent to Christcurch Park on the morning of Saturday, July 22, following a call to the force control room from a man warning he was about to take his own life.

The call came on the first day of the school holiday – shortly before families would arrive for the launch of an artificial beach area.

“It was one of the first jobs after morning briefing,” said Pc Stout.

“A call came in early that morning from a male who wanted to end his life but did not want to be found by children in the park.”

Pc Burton, who was crewed with Pc Stout, added: “The details were scant, but the caller made reference to a hut, so we headed straight for the arboretum area.

“We were met by a dog walker who knew where to go. There we found a man in the late stages of life. It looked like we might have been too late.

“Other officers were on their way – with members of the public coming over to get involved.”

As Pc Burton sprinted back to his vehicle to retrieve more equipment to help save the man, Pc Perkins arrived equipped with experience of emergency care as a St John Ambulance volunteer.

“It was like going into medical autopilot for me,” said Pc Perkins.

“I could see he was struggling for breath, so I opened his airways and tried to stabilise him. That’s when the ambulance arrived.”

When medics told the officers their actions had saved a life, Pc Burton said the trio knew they had “done a reasonable job”.

“Preservation of life and limb is one of our number one promises to the public,” he added.

“It doesn’t happen every day as a group of three officers, but it’s a daily occurrence in policing.

“Realistically, you could nominate any officer in Suffolk on any day of the week.

“We swear to do it when we join the force. Those members of the public deserve more recognition.”

The officers had little time to dwell on the incident, as they were soon called to attend a burglary.

They later submitted referrals and documented their concerns for the man’s welfare – to be passed on to relevant services.

The awards are expected to be presented in September.