A POLICE officer who battled to save two people hit by a car described the “heartbreaking” moment she realised they had died.

PC Chloe Phillips, from Basildon police, was one of the first on scene in Nethermayne – just off the Roundacre roundabout – on Tuesday night.

She was radioed a few minutes after she left the police station but turned around when officers requested immediate back up.

She arrived one minute later – joining her colleague PC Dave Owen.

She said: “I heard Dave’s voice on the radio and he sounded in shock. He said two people had been hit.

“We span the car into the BP garage and I ran over to the female. Dave did CPR on her and I looked further up the road.

“All I could see was what I thought was a bunch of clothes on the floor. Then I realised it was a man. I couldn’t find a pulse for him.

“Dave was getting tired, so I helped him out and kept on performing CPR.

“I got details from the witness who saw everything and was in hysterics.

“It was very hectic but I tried to keep as professional as possible. It’s a very scary position to be in but the adrenaline just takes over.”

Despite the officers’ best efforts the woman died at the scene.

A man in his early 30s was taken to Basildon Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The victims have since been identified as Dean Evans and Carli Scott, who both lived in Basildon.

Miss Phillips said: “It’s heartbreaking to find out they didn’t make it. You question whether it was the way you performed, but you have to think you did everything you could.”

Mr Owen added: “I’ve had experience dealing with these incidents before in the military so adrenaline and training kicked in and I did the best I could to keep her alive.”

Det Supt Stuart Hooper commended the team saying: “Unfortunately they weren’t successful in saving lives but I am still incredibly proud of the team.

“They face so much on a daily basis but still act with such professionalism and dedication.”

The team on shift also fought to save 13-year-old Joseph Sheridan, who was killed on the A127 on Monday, February 15.

Miss Phillips, 22, has been given a commendation for her actions in trying to save Joseph Sheridan.

A 26-year-old man from Laindon, who was driving a VW Passat, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and taken to Basildon police station for questioning.

He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries until Monday, July 18.