A 24-year-old police officer didn’t think twice and jumped into a river to save an 11-month-old baby thrown from a bridge by his father.
Baby boy Zakari Bennett-Eko was allegedly thrown by his father into the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, in a basket.
He was immediately taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
It was reported that the 24-year-old police officer Jessica Voiels was the one who threw herself into the river to save the baby.
Her mother, Julie Mccormich, said to MailOnline: “She jumped into the river to try to save the baby. It is awful. Her Sergeant sent her a text saying not many people go through that in a lifetime.
“People have been texting her saying that they hope she is OK. They are so proud of her and she has handled it really well.”
The police officer is thought to have been on patrol when an emergency call was made. She wrote: “Had my worst shift yesterday. I can’t see many things being as bad as that in the future.”
The boy’s devastated mother, Emma Blood, issued a tribute to her child. She said: “On Wednesday afternoon my life changed forever.
“I woke up that morning being a mummy to the most wonderful cute little boy and by the afternoon Zakari was taken from me in the most tragic of circumstances.
“Zakari was my life for 11 months and will be the heart of our family for many years to come.
“He was a cheeky little chappie with a smile that melted hearts. He was the youngest of five generations of our family and was loved beyond belief.
“Zakari wrapped everyone around his little finger. He was a happy and content baby with a gorgeous little smile and a head full of curls. Everyone that met him fell in love with him instantly.
“It’s hard to comprehend what has happened and that I will not get to see my baby grow up to be the handsome decent man I knew he would become.
“My family and I would like to thank everybody for their continued support, it is very much appreciated and would like to ask for privacy at this traumatic time.”
The child’s father, 22-year-old Zak Eko, appeared in court and was charged with murder.
What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this with your friends and family!
Recommended Video For You
“Dog Rescued By A Police Officer After Being Tied To A Moving Truck”
[rumble video_id=v3tk4h domain_id=u7nb2]