A TEENAGER who launched a desperate bid to stop a woman jumping to her death on a busy Hampshire motorway has spoken of his “horror” at not being able to save her.

Thomas Wall, 19, was less than a minute into his morning commute yesterday when he spotted a female frantically “pacing” near the edge of a road bridge over the M27.

But as the Hedge End resident leapt out of his car to try and help, the woman, described as blonde and middle aged, crossed over the barrier and jumped onto the carriageway below.

He said she was struck by a silver sports car as she fell.

Police pronounced the woman dead at the scene of the incident, which took place on St John’s Road bridge, near the Bursledon exit of the M27, at 7.40am yesterday.

Speaking about the incident, Thomas, who works as a customer assistant for Jewson, said: “It was shocking, shocking and terrifying.

“I was about 30 seconds away from my home in Foord Road when I saw this woman pacing up and down, as if she was thinking.

“Then she crossed over the barrier, so I pulled my car over and got out.

“As I got towards her she jumped.”

Speaking about his efforts to save her, he said: “She looked in distress and I thought I would try and do something.

“I just thought it was something every human would do.

“A couple of other cars stopped and tried to help as well.”

He added: “It was horrifying. I didn’t know the lady at all but I feel hurt that I couldn’t stop it.

“I probably feel just a little bit compared to what the family feel right now.”

Tom said he was given the day off by his boss, who praised his efforts.

The teenager also thanked Echo readers for their positive reaction, after he posted details about his actions on our Facebook page.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We were called to the M27, junction 8, Bursledon, following reports of a woman who had fallen from a bridge over the carriageway at 7.40am on December 5.

“Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service.

“The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“No one else was injured. Next of kin have been informed.”

The spokeswoman added that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Police say a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Anyone who feels in a similar position is encouraged to call the Samaritans on: 116 123.