Statement From Officers Involved In Evesham River Rescue

Today (March 8) West Mercia Police officers Inspector Sean Kent and Sergeant Phil Stayte have released a statement regarding six-year-old Ryan Grady and his late sister Gabby.

The officers will not, at this time, add anything further to this statement or give interviews.

Insp Kent is responsible for policing across Wychavon District of West Mercia Police's South Worcestershire Division and Sgt Stayte is based at Evesham Police Station.

As previously released, both officers entered the River Avon in Evesham and rescued Ryan Grady when the car he was in entered the water on February 11.

They attended from Evesham Police Station to the river bank within minutes of the call to police and, along with other officers, used ropes to try and reach a man and young boy who had emerged from the sunken car, which was around 12 metres from the river bank. Because Ryan was out of reach Insp Kent entered the water to rescue him. Sgt Stayte waded in to the water to help get Ryan back to the river bank where paramedics were waiting.  

Joint statement from Insp Kent and Sgt Stayte:

"We would like to firstly pay our respects to Gabby Grady and offer our condolences to her family at this tragic time.

"We recently visited Ryan and his mum Kim as we felt it important we go round and meet them.

"We wanted to say how sorry we were for their loss and also see Ryan who we knew had returned home from hospital.

"Ryan is a fantastic little boy and it was wonderful to see he was making a great recovery with the support of his loving, strong family.

"We do not feel it is appropriate to comment any further at this time as today is a time for family."

Issued: Monday 8 March 2010