TWO police officers have told a court of their frustration and anger as a father “refused” to help them rescue his six-year-old son as he struggled to stay afloat in an icy Worcestershire river.

It is alleged Chris Grady said “save me, save me” as officers attempted to pull him and his son Ryan to safety Inspector Sean Kent, of West Mercia Police, said he arrived at the scene as the car was sinking about 10 to 12 feet away from the bank.

He then noticed Grady, aged 42, and Ryan appear from under the water.

“The small child was in great distress. I thought he was drowning,” he said.

Insp Kent, who is based at Pershore police station, said Ryan then went under the water before re-emerging a few seconds later.

He said: “I believed that at any stage the child would disappear under the water.

“I was urging the man to grab the line thrown to him and then grab the waistband of the boy to stop him slipping under the water.”

Insp Kent said he became very “frustrated and angry” when Grady “refused” to grab the lines.

He said: “I believed he (Ryan) would drown if he went under again. The only thing to do was to jump into the water and take hold of the child myself.

“I tried to lift him out of the water but because I was out of my depth but I was unable.”

After realising Insp Kent was struggling to get Ryan to safety, Sergeant Phillip Stayte said he entered the water to help them both to the bank. He said Grady had not taken hold of the lines which were thrown to him and was shouting “save me, save me”.

Sgt Stayte, based at Evesham police station, said he “gasped” when he got into the freezing water and his body went stiff.

“I entered the water and Inspector Kent moved the boy through the water towards me. I took hold of Ryan and moved him so his head was above the water,” Sgt Stayte said.

“He was completely life-less. His eyes were closed, his mouth was closed. There was no movement or indication of any life.”

Sgt Stayte said it was very difficult getting out because the bank was “steep and slippy” but they eventually managed to push Ryan up to the officers and firefighters.

Insp Kent said: “When I got out of the water, I remember feeling very shocked and dazed at the experience and an overwhelming sense of being very cold, just shocked.”

Grady, of no fixed address, denies murder and attempted murder.

The trial continues.