A POLICE officer who saved the life of a man as he attempted suicide has been commended for his actions -- but police are also keen to trace a mystery clergyman who helped in the rescue.

Last October PC Justin Fraser was called to the motorway bridge on Helmshore Road, Haslingden, where a man was threatening to jump.

When he arrived at the bridge, which spans the busy A56 dual carriageway, PC Fraser saw him on the edge, beyond the safety railings.

Realising the man was highly agitated, PC Fraser arranged for the bypass to be closed but because of another incident which required a police presence he was forced to deal with the incident largely on his own, until a passing motorist, a clergyman, came to help. Together the pair managed to calm the man and stop him carrying out his threat.

Commander of the Pennine policing division, Chief Superintendent John Knowles, presented PC Fraser with the Chief Constable's Commendation.

He said: "PC Fraser displayed extreme courage, professionalism and presence of mind in a very tense situation with someone's life at real risk. He is a credit to Lancashire Constabulary.

"What I would like to do now is find the man who assisted so we can show our gratitude to him too."

If anyone knows the identity of the clergyman they can contact Pennine Police on 01282 472209.