POLICE Officers in Blackwood helped to deliver a baby yesterday after a woman went into labour outside a police station.

The 38-year-old woman from the Maesycwmmer area was travelling with her father-in-law and stopped outside Blackwood police station and was on a grass verge when she started going into labour at around 4.30pm.

Colleagues from the ambulance service were called and Constables Marc Powell and Helen Chapman delivered the baby girl with the assistance of other officers and an ambulance arrived soon after and took both mother and baby to hospital where they are said to be “doing fine”.

Sergeant Tony Watkins commented: “I was finishing my shift when I heard the commotion on the drive. Marc and Helen led the way and delivered the baby with a few others assisting as we could.

“I’ve seen many things during my time as an officer but this was a totally new experience for us all.

"We did all we could to make sure the mother was as comfortable as she possibly could be. We are delighted that things turned out well, and all the officers and staff at Blackwood station wish mother and baby the very best. We hope they come back soon and visit."

Temporary Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said he was proud of the officers: "We are often called to deal with difficult and challenging situations but bringing new life into the world is not something they will expect to have to do. The officers are rightly delighted with how things turned out and deserve a lot of praise for their actions.”