A DEVON and Cornwall police officer has been praised for saving a missing woman from the river Yeo near Lapford.

The force helicopter crew joined in the search for the woman at 2.15am this morning, Sunday, March 17.

It used its searchlight to illuminate the river to aid in the rescue of the woman.

On social media site "Twitter" the helicopter crew said that an unnamed officer on the ground "not only found her but then jumped into the river to save her".

The condition of the woman is unknown.

The helicopter was diverted to Lapford from a high-speed pursuit in the county of a car which has been stolen from Newport, Wales.

The car reached speeds of up to 130 miles per hour on the M5 and was brought to a stop on the A380 by police drivers.

After the vehicle was stopped the car occupants were arrested before the helicopter went to Lapford.

Detective Supt Ben Deer, from Devon and Cornwall Police commented on the Lapford rescue and said: "Excellent work by all involved that resulted in a life saved".

Other comments on the social media site included: "Thanks, wondered why you were over us for what seemed like an hour. Hope your officer has dried out okay, the river has been running high with all the recent rain", "Well done that officer", "Well done to all involved, especially that very brave officer", "Well done that officer, very brave - I’m in awe - thank you for doing what you do without a thought for your own safety", "Amazing work by a brave officer. I hope the young woman receives the help she needs" and "Well done to all. Amazing job".

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