A POLICEMAN grabbed a rope and jumped into the icy River Severn to try and save an elderly man he had seen plunge from a bridge.

PC Scott Ward, who is based at Bewdley, today said the rescue of Anthony Vickers was a team effort, and officers had made use of equipment brought in to the town after last November's floods.

Attempts to resuscitate 69-year-old Mr Vickers failed.

PC Ward was patrolling with colleagues in the town on Saturday morning when he saw the pensioner topple into the river.

The 40-year-old policeman grabbed a rope and jumped into the water, swimming across to Mr Vickers, who was floating face down.

PC Ward supported the man while his colleagues pulled them to the riverside.

An ambulance, paramedic car and firefighters from Kidderminster also attended the scene.

Mr Vickers, from Halesowen, was taken on to the quay where officers tried to give him the kiss of life, but he did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene.

PC Ward today paid tribute to his colleagues who assisted in the rescue.

"I couldn't have done it without the support of others," said the officer, who was recovering at his home today.

"We've all received training and drills for water rescues and shown everybody what they should do.

"This incident had shown the importance of rescue equipment put in place by the riverside after the November floods.

"These are essential in an emergency and on the day it was there it worked."

PC Ward also expressed his sympathy to the family of Mr Vickers.

"Ultimately this is a sad thing to happen, but I would like to recognise the courage of PC Ward who entered the icy river to save this man," said Insp Peter Round, of Kidderminster police who are treating the incident as a sudden death.

"All the police officers present acted in an extremely professional manner."

Kidderminster coroner's office has been informed and an inquest will be held.