POLICE officers have been praised for saving the life of a cyclist in Widnes.

PC Lauren Henthorn was out on patrol when she was alerted to a cyclist who had collapsed on Lunts Heath Road at around 11.45am on Tuesday, September 19.

A 69-year-old man was unconscious and unresponsive.

PC Henthorn started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after calling for back-up.

She was joined by PC William Davies, PC Ian Harrison, Sergeant Victoria Tait, PC Michael Molyneux and PC John Forshaw who arrived equipped with oxygen and a defibrillator.

While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, officers continued CPR on the man using the defibrillator and oxygen.

The man was responsive and talking when officers handed the casualty to paramedics.

Ambulance staff thanked officers praising their efforts in helping to save the man, and assured officers that if it was not for their intervention and excellent first aid, the man’s condition could have proved fatal.

The cyclist remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Chief Inspector Simon Parsonage, of Widnes LPU, said: "This was excellent work by all officers involved who had a collapsing timeframe in which to make vital and critical decisions.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the actions of these officers saved this man’s life.

"Their quick thinking and excellent first aid helped keep this man alive until the paramedics attended the scene.

“This is a great example where officers have gone above and beyond to keep members of our community safe. I am proud to have these officers on my team.”