Police officers help deliver baby

TWO POLICE OFFICERS have helped deliver a baby after being flagged down by a father-to-be in Ipswich.

Pcs Jerry Cohen and Andy Masterson, from Suffolk Police's roads policing and firearms unit, had been called to the Orwell Bridge to deal with a broken down car in the early hours of the morning.

As they went about their job, they saw a man, Andrew Mackie, running towards them, saying his wife had gone into labour.

They rushed to the car and came to the aid of Holly Mackie, 33, who was very close to giving birth.

Within seconds they helped deliver a healthy baby boy, Rupert William Mackie.

Pc Masterson said: "This was very much a case of being in the right place at the right time.

"Jerry and I are both fathers and have a fair degree of knowledge when it comes to labour but have never been quite so hands on.

"Rupert arrived very quickly and we wrapped him up in one of our emergency foil blankets which we always have with us, started the engine of the car and made sure he stayed warm until the ambulance arrived."

Rupert arrived weighing 7lbs 5oz and is a brother for Rose, two. The family live in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Speaking after the birth on July 1, Mr Mackie said: "When I was driving towards the Orwell Bridge, Holly said the baby was coming.

"It was absolute sheer luck I could see blue lights flashing on the bridge - I didn't care which emergency service it was I just knew I would have to ask for help.

"We would like to thank Andy and Jerry so much for their help; they really did go above and beyond both on the bridge and afterwards at the hospital.

"We are so grateful for what they did but also that they stayed so calm throughout."

Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton said: "This is a fantastic example showing that our police officers have to be ready for any situation they are faced with."

By Press Association reporters