Two PCSO's from Brixton saved a baby from choking to death last week.

PCSO Joe McCarthy and PCSO Nathan Walters both of Brixton's Local Policing Team were cycling near Brockwell Park when they were flagged down by a distressed woman.

The woman wanted them to go over to the grass area where there was a baby aged seven months choking.

The PCSO's reassured the mother they could help and with the mother's permission, PCSO Walters took hold of the baby and placed it facing down and gave it gentle pats on the back until the item was dislodged.

During this time PSCO McCarthy used his radio to call for an ambulance.

Once the baby's airways had been unblocked, the baby and the rest of the family began to calm down. Both PCSO's stayed with the family until the ambulance arrived.

PCSO Joe McCarthy said: "We were faced with a challenging situation and we acted accordingly.

"PCSOs often receive criticism for their role, but this situation reflects the seriousness of incidents that we and other PCSOs are called to deal with on a regular basis.

"Hopefully this will stand as testament to the fact that PCSOs provide a useful and protective role to the community."

Inspector Stuart Bell of Lambeth Borough Met Police added: "I believe it was the quick and calm intervention by these two officers that saved the life of this young baby.

"They used their training to communicate, act concisely and deal with a number of distressed women who were obviously concerned for the safety of the child, we are very proud of their actions."