Police seek Sheffield Superman

A mystery man who dived into raging floodwater to try to save a stranded pensioner has been described as a “superman”.

The nameless hero pulled 68-year-old Peter Harding from a torrent of gushing floodwater under a railway bridge in Sheffield’s Lower Don Valley on Monday evening.

Unfortunately attempts to revive Mr Harding failed and he was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Meanwhile, "Superman" disappeared.

Today a senior police officer in Sheffield appealed to the man to come forward, calling him a “true hero”.

Speaking at the scene of the tragedy, Chief Superintendent Jon House described how the stranger came across a group of people struggling under the bridge on Newhall Road.

He calmly took off his coat and handed it to an onlooker before diving straight into the deep, fast-flowing water.

After what seems to have been a professional underwater search the man dragged Mr Harding out of the water and started trying to revive him.

Mr House said when paramedics arrived and took control the man took his camouflage jacket back and walked off.

Now officers are trying to trace him, not only so he can help with the coroner’s investigation but so Mr Harding’s family can thank him for his selfless efforts.