Two nightclub managers commandeered a dinghy to save a woman who fell from Kingston Bridge into the freezing Thames in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mark Byford and Luis Beer, who both work at the Viper Rooms, were made aware of a woman on the wrong side of the bridge's guard rails at 1.30am by customers and staff in the club’s smoking area, which overlooks the river.

After radioing for help, the pair slowly approached the woman but when the police arrived she jumped into the Thames, Mr Byford said.

Mr Beer and trained lifeguard Mr Byford ran after the woman on the Hampton Wick side of the river for about 15 minutes throwing ropes to her.

But when she would not grab them the pair seized a dinghy from a neighbouring houseboat and paddled out to rescue her.

Mr Byford, 44, said: “I was going to just tie a rope around my waist and jump in after her but when we saw the boat that seemed like a better idea.

“We were told we weren’t allowed in it without lifejackets on, but we just thought, ‘This girl is going to drown,’ and got on with it.

“We paddled out and I grabbed her. She was fighting me all the way. We got her back over to the Kingston side of the river and that is when the RNLI turned up.”

A witness in a flat overlooking the river said they saw at least three fire engines, six ambulances, a police van and a lifeboat crew while the pair were executing their daring rescue.

This is not the first time the Mr Byford and Mr Beer have saved people who have fallen or jumped into the Thames from Kingston Bridge.

Mr Beer, 27, was even handed an outstanding contribution to the community award last year after saving another woman in 2014.

Former Beverly School pupil Mr Byford said: “When she was fighting us I was just shouting, ‘It can’t be that bad’.

“It is incredibly sad.

“I would really like to see this woman again when she is well. I hope she will get in touch.”

A police spokesman confirmed the woman, thought to be in her early 20s, is now receiving hospital care.

He said: “Without the actions of the Viper Rooms staff it’s clear to us that this incident could have ended differently.”

Read more: Kingston Samaritans' £65,000 quest for a new home

  • If you are experiencing problems with your mental health, visit your GP
  • Samaritans lends a confidential ear to those in distress; call 116 123
  • Mind promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems; call 03001 233 393

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