A police officer who jumped into freezing water at the Royal Victoria Dock to save a woman has been praised for his actions.

Pc Robin Whatling, 27, a response officer based at Stratford police station, acted without hesitation to rescue the distressed 58-year-old.

Officers were called at just before 11pm on Monday night to reports that someone had fallen into the water.

On arriving they found the woman clinging to a buoy 20 feet out from the side of the dock.

Pc Whatling quickly swam out to the stranded women and brought her safely back to the dock side.

The London Ambulance Service were waiting and the woman was taken to Newham General Hospital where she was later discharged.

Pc Whatling said: “When I arrived on scene, my instincts took over. The woman had stopped responding and was showing signs of hypothermia so my first priority was to get her out of the water and to safety.”

Chief Insp Guy Wade, Newham Police, said: “I’m proud of the brave actions of Pc Whatling - he undoubtedly saved this woman’s life.

“Police officers carry out acts of bravery every day in Newham but this is certainly not an everyday occurrence.

“Pc Whatling, after being checked over, suffered no ill-effects from the cold water. In fact he is back at work today, helping to keep Newham safe.”

It is believed the woman fell in while trying to retrieve her handbag.