A LOCK-KEEPER who jumped into the Thames in an attempt to save a man from drowning has been commended by police.

Ray Riches, 66, jumped into the freezing water near Osney Lock in January to try to rescue disabled Gabriel Stocks, who had fallen off the path on his scooter.

Father-of-two Mr Riches was given an award, along with three police officers, at a ceremony at Wolfson College for “courage and integrity” for trying to help in the tragedy.

He said: “It was very nice of the police to recognise my contribution to a tragic event.

“My wife and I really enjoyed it, it was personal and touching.”

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The grandfather-of-two was alerted to the accident when a young man hammered on the door of his cottage at Osney Lock at 6pm on January 4.

He had spotted the scooter in the water not far away and the pair ran down to the spot together.

Mr Riches jumped into the river, and with the help of the young man on the bank, managed to heave 47-year-old Oxford resident Mr Stocks, still strapped into his scooter, out the water.

The 66-year-old lock-keeper tried to revive Mr Stocks but could not.

Mr Riches, who has worked for the Environment Agency at Osney Lock for nine years, said: “A lot of things go wrong on the river and the first port of call is the lock-keeper, but we work very closely with police,”adding: “The river is dangerous in high flow.”

Mr Riches opted not to recount the experience in detail, but said he regretted that he could not do more.

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Police tape cordoning off the scene

The writing on the honorary plaque tells the story of that night’s events: “Ray Riches, Pc Tim Preen, Pc Sheryl Webb and Sergeant David Hodson are commended for their roles in attempting to save the life of Gabriel Stocks who had entered the River Thames at Osney, strapped into his mobility scooter.

“The officers and members of the public took him out of the river and commenced first aid in very difficult circumstances in darkness and partially still in the river.”

That same month he also helped police find a suicide victim in the Thames.

It is not the first time that Mr Riches has been honoured for going the extra mile.

In the wake of the 2007 floods Mr Riches was awarded a “flood hero” diploma by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He recalled: “I was out all night long making sure people were okay and helping the services.”

The lifelong Oxfordshire resident said he has a close relationship with the community at Osney.

 

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