A team of heroic police officers have been awarded for bravery after trying to save a mum who drowned in a Stourport canal.

At around 11pm on August 16, 2022, Jane Matthews, aged 50, slipped and fell into a lock in Stourport Basin whilst walking back to her home in the town.  

Officers PC Daniel Windsor, PC Chris Hillman, PC Gareth Jones, PS Richard Leek and PC Zoey Day received the Chief Superintendent Commendation after responding to a call from a distraught friend who had entered the water to save Ms Matthews.

She sustained minor injuries, but Ms Matthews, who was a delivery driver, was recovered from the canal unresponsive and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where she was confirmed dead the following morning.  

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mum Jane Matthews accidentally drowned when she slipped in Stourport Basin last year Mum Jane Matthews accidentally drowned when she slipped in Stourport Basin last year (Image: Facebook)

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “The officers undoubtedly saved the life of the caller and assisted in the incredibly sad task of recovering the body of another woman.

“Their actions were incredibly impressive and absolutely embodied the values of West Mercia Police by displaying courage, ownership, effective communication and quick thinking.”  

Kidderminster Shuttle: PC Daniel Windsor was one of the officers praised for bravery and helping to save the life of another woman PC Daniel Windsor was one of the officers praised for bravery and helping to save the life of another woman (Image: West Mercia Police)

Ms Matthews, who was born in Stourbridge, previously lived in Rowley Regis and attended Britannia High School and Halesowen College.

At an inquest held in December 2022, Coroner David Reid at Worcestershire Coroner’s Court confirmed that Ms Matthews had died accidentally.