AN IRVINE businessman has been hailed a hero after pulling a woman back from the brink as she was seconds from tragedy.
Jamie Reid sprang into action when he spotted the troubled pedestrian sitting on the wrong side of the barriers at Marress Bridge - with her shoes placed beside her.
The Dandan’s Diner owner had only agreed to give an employee a lift home after work when the pair came across the distressing scene last month.
But when police officers struggled to hold onto the woman after she attempted to jump, Jamie climbed over the railing without hesitation - getting an arm underneath her and helping officers pull her back to safety.
Now Ayrshire’s top police officer has praised the Irvine man’s “brave actions”, saying his quick thinking and decisive response were “vital” during the critical incident.
Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow, divisional commander for Ayrshire, personally wrote to Jamie to thank him for his “invaluable assistance” and said officers at the scene were deeply grateful for his intervention.
Humble Jamie, however, insists he was simply “at the right place at the right time” - and hopes the woman receives the support she needs.
Jamie, who owns Dandan’s Diner in Irvine, said he had finished work when an employee asked him for a lift home - something she “never does”.
He told the Times: “Whilst driving her home, we were going over the Marress Bridge and I spotted a woman sitting on the other side of the railings with her shoes sitting beside her.
“I immediately stopped my car and tried to engage conversation with her, but got no response.
“I offered to take her to hospital, contact a family member and other stuff, but I got no response.
“All this took place whilst waiting on the police arriving, as at the time there was another man standing by who contacted them.”
Jamie said the woman later attempted to jump despite efforts by police officers to speak with her.
He continued: “The police arrived and tried to engage conversation with no luck. The woman then went to jump and the two officers went to grab her by the scruff of her shoulders.
“They were losing grip and she was falling out of her T-shirt.
“I jumped over the bridge railing and managed to get my arm under her arm. I put my knee under her bottom and lifted her back over the railing with help from police, who had a better grip of her at this point.”
Chief Supt Chow wrote to Jamie following the incident, telling him: “I am writing to personally thank you for your brave actions in assisting the police during the recent incident involving a female on the wrong side of the bridge.
“I have been informed that you were the first person on the scene and immediately began engaging her in conversation. Upon the arrival of our officers, you were still actively speaking with her.
“When she, unfortunately, attempted to jump, officers were able to grab hold of her and, without hesitation, you climbed over the railings to assist the officers, helping to pull her back over to safety.
“Your quick thinking and decisive response were vital. By stepping forward during such a critical moment, your invaluable assistance is greatly appreciated by the officers who attended the scene.
“I would like to pass on my sincere gratitude for your quick actions and response during this incident.”
Jamie said he was moved by the recognition but played down his role.
He added: “I was really touched by the letter from Police Scotland. I believe I was at the right place at the right time, and I hope the woman gets the correct help at the right time.”
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