A PAIR of heroic police officers who jumped into the River Clyde to save two teenage girls from drowning have won a special bravery award.

Quick-thinking Constables Kevin Brown and Grant Tracey waded into bitterly cold water at Inverkip Marina to launch a dramatic rescue bid.

Their incredible actions have been singled out for praise by senior officers who said they prevented a double tragedy.

Amazingly, on the night of the rescue the constables went home for a quick change before returning to work to finish their busy weekend shift.

Recalling the drama, Constable Tracey told the Tele: “We arrived at the beach in the marina and we could see the girls out in the water. They were about 150 metres away and they were going further and further out.

“It was hard to keep afloat and the water was very, very cold.

“One of them kept going under.

“We knew we hadn’t very long left to get to them, so we decided to go in.” The drama happened in June this year when the girls, aged 15 and 16 and under the influence of alcohol, ended up in the water and in trouble at around 10.15pm.

The alarm was raised and within minutes the officers on patrol were on the scene – but the lifeboat and the coastguard were still 10 minutes away.

The Greenock officers could see that time was ticking and they would have to act immediately.

Once on dry land the girls were rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Constable Brown, 47, said: “We didn’t have 10 minutes to wait, we could see them struggling.

“But we had a team on shore and we had all our water safety equipment.

“You do get training and it is invaluable in these situations.” The officer, who has 27 years of experience and has served on the force helicopter, has carried out similar rescues in the past.

His fellow officer Constable Tracey joined the police three years ago.

Constable Brown added: “It was a busy Saturday night in Greenock so we went home and then went back to finish our shift.” At a recent Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Divisional recognition awards ceremony the pair both received a bravery gong.

Constable Brown said: “It was a surprise to get the award and a great honour. There were so many amazing stories.” Greenock Chief Inspector Elliot Brown said he was delighted with both constables and immensely proud of their bravery.

He added: “Constables Brown and Tracey deserve their award and without doubt they prevented a double tragedy.

“They went above and beyond the call of duty to save the lives of the girls.

“The girls’ families were incredibly grateful for what they did.”