THREE Lancashire police officers have been given a Chief Constable's Commendation for saving the life of a man who was threatening to jump from a motorway bridge.

The 32-year-old Blackburn man, who is married with children, called police on his mobile telephone to say he was going to commit suicide.

He had stepped over the safety barrier of the bridge above the M65 between junction five and six at Stanhill Road, Knuzden. Police arrived at the scene shortly before 5pm.

Sergeant Anwar Mahmood, of Blackburn police, was talking to the man when his mood appeared to change suddenly.

He made a telephone call to his wife and then pulled his T-shirt over his head and started to lung forward over the bridge.

Sergeant Mahmood, Sergeant Ian Hanson from Accrington police station and Black- burn-based dog handler PC Simon Harwood managed to keep hold of the man and haul him to safety.

The award is the second in less than two years for Sgt Mahmood, who was given a bravery award in July 1998 after tackling a man armed with a knife.

PC Harwood also holds a Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society lifesaver award.

Inspector Graham Ashcroft of Blackburn police said: "All three officers showed tremendous courage. Without their intervention this man would probably have died. They acted very skilfully and risked their own safety."

Chief Constable Pauline Clare added: "The quick thinking and positive actions of these officers prevented a possible suicide occurring. I offer them my sincere congratulations."