A SPECIAL constable has been praised after helping to prevent a woman jumping off a bridge onto the A64 near Malton.

Emergency services attended the incident yesterday afternoon when the woman was seen on the bridge on the Malton by-pass.

Special Constable Chris Hartley tweeted: "Last night our van consisted of a builder, A&E trauma doctor, cafe owner, theatre producer and a Polish carer, who was amazing when we dealt with a Polish lady ready to jump off a road bridge over A64. All safe."

In reply Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain tweeted :"A great reflection of the diverse and inclusive organisation @NYorksPolice is striving to be.

"Only when NYP truly reflects all of the communities we serve can we then seek to gain their trust and confidence."

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the road had been closed for a while after reports of a person on the wrong side of a bridge.

"They are now safe, getting the help they need," they added.

A big thank you to the members of the public who stopped and helped, and also to Ryedale Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service who dealt with the person and got them down safely."