Quick thinking PCC hailed a hero for saving toddler

Anthony Stansfeld in canal drama

POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Anthony Stansfeld is being hailed a hero for saving a child from the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The drama happened near the Thames Valley PCC’s Kintbury home over the Christmas holidays.

Mr Stansfeld, a former army helicopter pilot, was strolling with family friends when two-year-old Sandy Lyons (pictured, with Dad, Will) plunged into the water on Monday, December 28.

Mr Stansfeld said: “The little chap was enthusiastically throwing bread to the ducks when he suddenly followed the last piece in and started to sink like a stone.

“I had to react fairly quickly so I lay down flat in the mud. He was at arm’s length so I managed to reach down, grab him and fish him out.”

The toddler’s father, journalist and broadcaster Will Lyons, had been visiting Mr Stansfeld and his family with his wife Kate and Sandy.

Mr Lyons, who lives in London but grew up in Quicks Green near Ashampstead, said: “After lunch we went to feed the ducks down by the canal, near the bridge.

“Sandy, who is two-years-and-eight- months-old, sank like a stone and we just saw his feet descending into the murky water.

“Anthony was exceptionally quick in his response and reached down and pulled up Sandy by his feet.”

He added: “It all happened very quickly but it could have been so much worse – imagine if he had been under for a few minutes.

“It makes me feel sick just thinking about it, actually, so we owe Anthony a huge debt of gratitude.”

Mr Lyons said Sandy was none the worse for his ordeal and was soon back home recovering.

Mr Stansfeld said: “It wasn’t what I expected to do when we went out for a stroll, ending up face down in mud. I just happened to be nearest..”