A PENSIONER left critically ill after suffering a massive heart attack in Bournemouth has thanked the police officers who saved his life.

Brian Bailey, of Ringwood, was visiting Bournemouth Magistrates Court, Stafford Road, on June 6 last year when he suddenly collapsed.

Immediately recognising the seriousness of the situation, PC Claire Jephcott and PC Mike Gatfield rushed to his aid and performed CPR.

PCs Dan Frost, Clare Gillard, Gavin Saunders and Sgt Lynn Jackson also assisted with the lifesaving efforts prior to the arrival of paramedics - with Sgt Jackson continuing to assist the ambulance crew as Mr Bailey was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital's emergency department,

On arrival it appeared unlikely he would survive. However, he has made great strides back to health in the months following that terrifying day.

In a letter to the force, Mr Bailey said: “I owe your officers an immense debt of gratitude.

“Because of their response to my heart attack last year, I have so far enjoyed time with my family, spent more precious time with my grandchildren and I am looking forward to hopefully celebrating many more family occasions over the next few years.

“I wanted to let the officers know what a great job they do and how many people’s lives their ability to react to a situation has touched.”

On Wednesday, April 29, Mr Bailey attended Bournemouth police station with his wife, son, daughter, grandson and other family members – all of whom gave emotional and appreciative thanks to the officers for their performance on that day.

Mr Bailey then presented the officers with a crystal glass engraved with words of thanks for their lifesaving intervention.

Chief Inspector Mike Claxton, of Bournemouth police, said: “I feel great pride for my officers, all of whom commented that when they knew Mr Bailey had survived, they felt an immense sense of achievement.

“We take our training very seriously, and in this case it enabled them to save a man’s life. In fact one of the PCs had conducted her annual first aid refresher the day before this incident.”

The family of Mr Baily expressed their gratitude to the officers, with his eight-year-old grandson reading out a card, which stated: "Thank you for allowing me to spend a few more years with my grandad."