A FAMILY has been hailed heroes after saving the life of a distraught, homeless man in Runcorn.

Kian Shinnawie, 14, and his brother Callum, 13 were playing on a field in Halton Village on Friday evening when they came across a man fighting for his life.

The man was lying on the ground, struggling to breathe with a noose around his neck.

It is believed the 40-year-old had been camping in the woods.

The boys ran round the corner to their home in Lodge Lane to alert their mum, Michelle, 41, and uncle Kevin, 37 who both rushed out to help.

A neighbour rang paramedics shortly before 5pm.

“I ran out and found the man lying on the field,” said Kevin. “He had tried to hang himself but the rope snapped.

“He was semi conscious.

“I couldn’t get my finger into the rope because it was that tight.

“Callum ran back for some kitchen scissors and I managed to cut him free. He took a big breath.”

The ambulance service confirmed that the man was taken to Warrington Hospital at around 6.20pm.

An ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and three police cars attended the incident.

It was pouring with rain amid a heavy thunder and lightning storm.

“I was still in shock afterwards,” said Kevin, who works as a carer for his mum who has fibrosis of the lungs and is unable to walk.

“I felt so sorry for this man.

“He told us he was homeless and had been living in a little tent by the bushes.

“My nephews just happened to be playing on the field. If it wasn’t for them kids he would not have survived.

“Paramedics thanked us all.

“I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I was shaking. I had no first aid training.

“I’m just so glad we were there to help.”

Callum is a pupil at The Grange School in Runcorn while Kian attends Chaigeley School in Warrington.