AN OFF-DUTY sergeant has won praise for saving the life of a member of the public in Hereford city centre.

Special Sergeant Millichip came to the aid of a man who had collapsed on the street on September 4.

The quick thinking special administered CPR on the man until a stronger pulse was detected and he was able to breathe for himself.

Special Sergeant Millichip then placed him in the recovery position until medics arrived.

The Special Sergeant, who serves with West Mercia Police, said: ""Even though I was off-duty, instinct kicked in and I felt that I acted as any other person would in that situation.

"I had a responsibility to help especially as I'd received first aid training as part of my training to be a a Special.

"All I wanted to do was ensure that I did everything in my power to help this man and reduce the possibility of him suffering permanent and/or life changing injuries before the ambulance arrived.

"If presented with the same situation again I wouldn't hesitate to help. I'm just so glad that I was able to help and that this member of the public is now recovering from this incident."

Special Sergeant Millichip's supervisor, Special Chief Inspector Christian Smith for West Mercia Police, said: "It is always a pleasure to hear good news stories involving my officers.

"I am so very proud of Special Sergeant Millichip for stepping in whilst off-duty and delivering such vital first aid to this member of the public.

"I have no doubt that if he hadn't taken action when he did the outcome may have been very different.

"It's great to see that the skills Special Sergeant Millichip learnt whilst being a Special Constable have been put to use even when off-duty. It just shows that our Specials are never fully off-duty."

Special Constables are unpaid, part-time police officers who are given first aid training to ensure they can deal with emergency situations, both on and off duty.