A YOUNG dad whose jugular vein was severed with a piece of broken mirror has paid tribute to a heroic policeman who saved his life.

Craig Sykes, 21, of Slaidburn Drive, Accrington, described seeing his life flash before his eyes as PC Richard Thompson and paramedics battled to keep him alive.

The former Accrington and Rossendale College student lost six pints of blood and was left seconds away from death after an alleged attack at a house in Portland Street, Accrington.

He said: "Blood was spraying everywhere, all over the walls, carpet and furniture. I just couldn’t stop it. I knew I was dying.

"Eventually I managed to scramble up the road to where my ex-girlfriend lives. I was wearing a white shirt which was completely stained red with blood.

"I just can’t thank the policeman who saved my life enough. He managed to stem the bleeding and keep me alive after I had collapsed in the doorway. I was just so scared I’d never see my son again.

"Without the officer I wouldn’t be sitting here now. It would have been my funeral instead."

PC Thompson, 26, who was the first on the scene, administered first aid until paramedics arrived, while his colleague, PC Victoria Wilson, kept onlookers back and searched for vital clues.

PC Thompson said: "When I arrived I didn’t know what had happened. All I knew was that a man had been hurt.

"I was very matter-of-fact about what needed doing because I realised how serious it was. He was very close to death.

"He looked as if he’d had a bucket of blood poured over him. He kept drifting in and out of consciousness and at one point I thought we had lost him. For about 10 seconds he lost all the colour in his skin, his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he went very limp, but he fought on.

"I put him in the recovery position so he wouldn’t choke and used a towel to apply pressure until the ambulance arrived. But this was a team effort. Vicky kept back the crowd and interviewed witnesses while I concentrated on helping Craig."

Craig, an unemployed customer service worker, spent four days in the Royal Blackburn Hospital before being allowed home.

When he is feeling better he intends to write to the Chief Constable asking him to give PC Thompson a commendation.

He said: "He is a hero and he deserves a medal for how he helped me. I know he is a policemen but nobody goes to work and expects a shift like that.

"This whole thing has helped me to see I need to change. I have not always been a nice person. I have been in prison for burglary and I grew up in a children’s home because my parents couldn’t cope with my behaviour. I am going to cut down on the drink.

"I honestly can’t believe I’m still here. Someone must have been looking out for me. People who know me might say they’ve heard all this before and they’d be right but this time I mean it. I want to be here for my two-year-old son, Declon."

Inspector Chris Saville of Accrington Police said: "The actions of the officers were exemplary and in the finest tradition of the Lancashire Constabulary. The quick thinking of these officers under pressure undoubtedly saved the life of the individual concerned during the few minutes it took for the paramedics to arrive."


* Lance Henry, 21, of Portland Street, has been charged with wounding with intent in connection with the incident. He appeared before Blackburn magistrates and has been bailed to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday.