Karla Inglis dived into the Kennet and Avon Canal in Newbury after three-year-old Lauryn Howse fell from the bank while still strapped to her push chair.

She managed to hold Lauryn up out of the water for about five minutes before an off-duty firefighter helped pull the pair to the bank.

Police are now investigating whether a group of teenagers had caused the incident by pushing the buggy into the water.

Police investigation

Karla was taking Lauryn to feed the ducks on the canal, when they were barged off the towpath by three teenage boys on bikes.

Karla's sister Jodie, eight, shouted for help and off-duty Newbury firefighter Ted Walker, 48, came to their aid.

A police spokesman said they were investigating the incident, which happened last Thursday near a busy canal-side pub.

He said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward to try to establish whether any criminal offences have taken place.

"The 12-year-old girl deserves praise for her actions and was exceptionally brave."

Emergency services now want to give Karla an award for her bravery.