Passer-By Hailed A Hero After Rescuing Two Boys Spotted Struggling In River

A man has been hailed a hero after dashing into a river to save two young boys who had got into difficulties.

Jay Sheppard was walking his dog with his mother and niece when they spotted the youngsters struggling in the water.
Photographs captured the moment Jay, 31, dropped everything and ran into the river to save the boys’ lives.

The boys were among a group of children playing in the shallows of the river in the Snuff Mills area of Bristol.

Current - it is thought the boys were swept under by a current (Pictures: SWNS)

But after some ventured deeper into the water, Kay’s mother Bridgett noticed two of them waving for help.

Her son, who works as a healthcare support worker, said: “My mum started shouting that one of the boys had gone underwater.

Jay added: "I could only see one of their hands and the other one was completely underwater.

"It all happened very quickly. I just pulled them out and started walking back, out of the water.”

Hero - Jay’s mum has spoken of her pride, calling his actions “amazing”

It is thought the boys crossed a small wall that separates the shallow end of the river from the deep end then were caught in the strong undercurrent.
Jay said: "I think they didn’t realise there was a wall there and they dropped under quite suddenly.”
His mum Bridgett, who caught the whole episode on camera, said: “It was all over quite quickly, but very shocking.
"Lucky Jay is quite tall, so he just got in and carried them out. We got them out to the water edge and some of their relatives took over.”
They left the children with their families and Jay went on to do his night shift at Southmead Hospital, where he works in the orthopaedic trauma unit.
He said: "I think it could have gone horribly wrong if my mum didn’t realise they were struggling. I don’t think anyone else realised.”
His mum added: “He’s my hero, and I’m very proud of him. I don’t think it has quite sunk in what he’s actually done. It’s amazing.”