A CYCLIST has spoken of how Essex Police officers saved his life when he was found unconscious in a ditch. 

PC Rob Andrews and PC Deborah Gray from the Casualty Reduction Unit were returning to base at South Woodham Ferrers when they were flagged down by a member of the public in distress on Hawkswood Road, Ramsden Heath. 

The officers found Brian Hughes from Battlesbridge lying face down in a ditch by the side of the road at about 2.40pm on Monday, March 30.

PC Andrews said: “Brian wasn’t breathing so there was no hanging around.

“We jumped out the car and got straight to work.”

PC Andrew and PC Gray gave Brian emergency CPR and called for another unit carrying a defibrillator to rush to the scene.

They stayed with him until the air ambulance arrived.

PC Gray said:“We administered CPR for about 15 minutes and shocked Brian four times before Helimed arrived, took over and rushed him off to hospital.”

Brian is now making a full recovery at home and recently met with the officers at his home to thank them.

He said: “I’m told that I was found in a very sorry state, but I’m recovering well – the progress has been quite rapid. I’m very, very grateful to the officers, there’s no question about it.”

For PC Andrews, this was the first time he had given CPR in a real life emergency.

He said: “It was a first for me and it felt like a lifetime while we were doing it.

“The man that waved us down was actually calling 999 when we drove past, so it was really fortunate timing and a great team effort from colleagues.

“The best part of the whole experience has been meeting Brian and seeing him look so fit and healthy.”