Police officer jumped in to icy ditch to save motorist

A man has thanked emergency services for saving his life after his car ended up upside down in a Pinchbeck ditch in the early hours of this morning (Monday December 7).

Dave Anthony escaped without injury after his car ended up in the icy water at the side of Cherry Holt Lane at 4.52am this morning.

PC Phil McAllister was one of the officers who arrived on scene. Concerned for his safety, PC McAllister took the decision to jump into the 12-foot deep ditch to free motorist Dave Anthony from his vehicle.

He was able to keep Mr Anthony’s head above water until he was freed from the vehicle, despite the freezing temperatures.

Spalding Fire Crew attended the scene and used one short extension ladder to assist.

Paramedics also assisted though thankfully Mr Anthony was uninjured.

He said: “I’d like to say a very, very big thank you and that my family and I appreciate everyone’s efforts today.

“I would have been a goner if PC McAllister hadn’t jumped in to get me out. He was brilliant and I think he deserves a commendation for what he did today.

“If it wasn’t for him, and the emergency services, I would’ve been underwater and you would’ve had a fatality instead of just a soaking wet, freezing cold bloke. Thank you.”

Chief Inspector Dave Plumb said: “PC McAllister put himself in danger to save a life, which illustrates that public safety is and will always be our number one priority.

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind the public to please be careful and to remember to drive to the conditions of the road.”

more >

Police appeal after four field fires in South Holland in last 24 hours

31 Jul 2026

Lincolnshire Council set as name for new authority that will oversee this area

30 Jul 2026

Delivery of new waste bins to start across South Holland next week

30 Jul 2026

Top darts referee’s ‘check out’ call

30 Jul 2026

Fire chief backs proposed change

30 Jul 2026

Sam’s making a big difference

30 Jul 2026