A BRAVE member of the public hurled himself into the River Thames to save a man from drowning after realising there was no lifebelt nearby.

Eye witnesses described seeing a man in distress near Christchurch Bridge in the early hours of Thursday (July 6) morning.

The heroic bypasser risked his own life as he attempted to save the man, all because there was no equipment in the area.

One woman, who did not want to be named said: "A man was drowning near Christchurch Bridge and because the lifebelt was missing a total stranger was forced to enter the river in order to save him. It was a close call.

"I don't know why anyone would remove a lifebelt but two people could have lost their lives. The lifebelt needs replacing and perhaps someone should design an alarmed belt that won't go off until emergency services deactivate it.

"My daughter was there and she was extremely upset because it was a very close call.

"I know he was with friends and had been drinking, his friends didn't seem to realise he was in serious trouble so my daughter contacted emergency services.

"Had it not been for a New Zealander passing by there is no doubt he would have drowned and he is an absolute hero to enter the river like that.

"I am just concerned that the lifebelt was missing really and I think it is important that people know a man could have lost his life because someone had taken it."

Emergency services were deployed shortly after midnight and the lucky man was handed over to South Central Ambulance Service for medical attention.

Although the council is responsible for ensuring all lifebelt stations are fully stocked, a series of thefts means stations are sometimes empty.

A spokesman for Reading Borough Council explained: "There are two lifebelt stations in Christchurch Meadows which are close to Christchurch Bridge and another on the south side of the river.

"Unfortunately, the rings are often stolen or needlessly thrown into the river which means the stations sometimes may not contain a lifebelt.

"Our Parks team do monitor the stations and restock them with lifebelts when required but there may be periods when the irresponsible actions of individuals means the stations are empty."