An “exceptional" response by two neighbourhood officers earned them a special commendation after they saved the life of a five-year-old girl in Lane End.

PC Danny O’Driscoll and PCSO Penny Ling were patrolling in the village in April last year when they received an emergency call.

Emma Heyward was bathing her daughter Isabella and left her momentarily to attend to a younger sibling.

When she returned she was faced with every parent’s nightmare, finding her daughter submerged under the water, unconscious and not breathing.

But arriving first on the scene, the quick reactions of the policing pair to give CPR were praised later by hospital staff as saving Isabella's life.

Later, Ms Heyward posted on social media: “If you ever hear of people knocking this country, send them this picture of our gorgeous princess.

“Thanks to the Thames Valley Police, the Air Ambulance Service and the fantastic staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital, she is today breathing on her own and able to smile and talk.

“In lots of countries she would have died due to the poor public services or us being unable to afford medical bills.”

PC O’Driscoll and PC Ling arrived on the scene within two minutes and kept the girl alive until she could be airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital, where she later made a full recovery.

The officers were given a commander’s commendation at a special ceremony at High Wycombe Cricket Club last week, which honoured officers and members of the public who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Insp. Messenger said: “They exhibited exceptional performance in supporting the force values of acting with courage and integrity and taking pride in delivering a high quality service.

“They were responsible for administering CPR to a 5-year-old girl which proved pivotal to her survival.”