A BRAVE pensioner who saved a young boy from drowning is now concerned for the youngster's health and is appealing for his parents to step forward.

Eric Sullivan, 74, who recently rescued the toddler from the River Lea in Broxbourne Meadows, fears the boy may have contracted a serious disease from the river water.

He said: "My concern is that the boy has not been vaccinated. He could have caught anything from that water -- it was probably full of rats.

"I have had a hepatitis injection, but the doctor said that the little boy is at more risk from disease than I am. I really hope we find the little mite, because it's playing on my mind."

The heroic pensioner from Essex was visiting the Broxbourne picnic area with his wife Elsie and his neighbour two weeks ago when the boy fell into the river.

Mr Sullivan jumped in fully clothed, grabbed the boy, and kept the young-

ster's head above water until they reached the bank.

The boy was taken away by his Jewish parents after the incident and the Sullivans have since tried unsuccesfully to contact them through Broxbourne Council and local synagogues.

They are now urging the boy's family to make sure he receives a medical check-up.

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