Two police officers scaled the roof of an abandoned convent to help a woman at a point of crisis while on top of the building.
PC Liz Cargill and PC Mark Wilson were called to St Gabriel's Convent, in Woolton, after reports of youths in the grounds.
The site has become notorious in recent years after a number of devastating fires tore through the empty building, which was once the backdrop for horrific sex abuse at the children's home.
Due to the fires and incidents of anti-social behaviour, the building is dangerous and people are often warned to stay away from it.
When the officers arrived at the scene on May, 4 2019, the officers could see two young women and a man on the roof of the four-storey high building.
One of the women was hysterical and was sitting right on the edge of the roof, her feet dangling over the side.
She began making threats and despite the poor condition of the building, the officers knew they would have to get onto the roof to bring her to safety
The building was so damaged by a recent fire that the officers had to traverse two-foot-wide beams and roof joints with a dangerous drop either side of them just to get to the woman.
She was becoming increasingly agitated at this stage but the officers managed to edge ever closer to her and kept talking to her to try and keep her calm before deciding to grab her and haul her to safety.
The officers managed to get a rapport going with her, but she continued to burst into aggressive episodes making her rescue extremely perilous.
More officers had by now arrived on the scene, but it was clearly just too dangerous for them to try and join in the rescue and the decision was made to call in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
With their help, the officers managed to get the woman under control and get her safely down from the damaged roof.
She was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.
Now, both officers have been nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards.
Merseyside Police Federation Chairman Tony Fairclough said the officers went “above and beyond” to get the woman to safety.
He said: "Despite the hazardous and dangerous conditions in which Liz and Mark were operating, and the sadly hysterical nature of the woman, the officers managed to remain calm and professional throughout.
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“What an incredibly brave thing to do – the duo had a lot to contend with to save this lady’s life and safeguard this vulnerable woman in what was obviously a significant time of crisis in her life. Liz and Mark also had to protect themselves from the obvious danger which they managed to do with policing brilliance.
“It once again shows how police officers do much more than fight crime. We are extremely proud of them.”
