TWO security guards from Accrington Arndale shopping centre have received a top police award after rescuing a man who had threatened to take his own life.

Munir Qureshi and Hassan Iqbal were presented with the divisional commander’s commendations after they intervened when a man climbed onto the edge of the top deck of the car park and said he would jump off on Saturday, July 30, last year.

The pair received the award at a presentation ceremony held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors recently.

In a joint statement Mr Iqbal and Mr Qureshi said: “It has been a great pleasure receiving this award.

“We would like to personally thank centre manager Zain Kiyani who without, we would not have been able to carry out such a near miss fatality.

“The confidence within us comes from him and the training from the onsite suicide plan.”

The guards also paid tribute to line manager Dave Lea and employer VSG Security.

The security staff went to the man’s assistance when he was standing on the parapet of the third floor of the centre threatening to jump.

Centre manager Mr Kiyani praised the actions of the pair in the ‘difficult situation’.

He said: “The commendations that they have received reflect Munir and Hassan’s exceptional behaviour in going the extra mile to save a young man’s life.

“Having worked with the Samaritans to provided training for out on-site team in how to deal with those threatening suicide, we are very proud of Munir and Hassan’s bravery in putting theory into practice when faced with a difficult situation.”

The divisional commender’s commendations are awards given to people or groups to ‘recognise exceptional service’ they have carried out.

Chief Superintendent Matt Horne, divisional commander for East Division said: “It was a pleasure to present Messrs Qureshi and Iqbal with a divisional commander’s commendation.

“It is one thing for a police officer to put themselves in harm’s way in the service of others, but quite another for a member of the public to step forward.

"I am grateful for their help in this case.

“I have no doubt that the brave and selfless actions of Messrs Qureshi and Iqbal saved the life of a very vulnerable young man.”