A POLICEMAN heroically saved a woman from drowning in the Solent.

The woman, understood to be in her 30s, went into the water at the Red Funnel terminal at Cowes, Isle of Wight.

It was witnessed by the officer who stripped off and dived into the sea after her. The pair were swept down the harbour by the strong tide but the officer managed to get her to the Island Sailing Club pontoon.

RNLI lifeboat crews were quickly on the scene and provided emergency care. The woman was initially unresponsive and was given oxygen, warmed and then taken to hospital by ambulance.

The incident happened on Saturday evening.