A STOURPORT man and his wife have called for answers after enduring an agonising 30-minute wait for an ambulance when he suffered a life-threatening heart attack in Kidderminster town centre.

George Murcott is now recuperating at his home after spending five days in hospital following the frightening ordeal, on New Year's Eve, in Bromsgrove Street.

A passer-by saw the 57-year-old in difficulty and alerted two policemen, who radioed through for assistance just before 11.30am.

About 10 minutes passed before a paramedic car made it to the scene but an ambulance did not arrive until midday.

The father-of-three's heart stopped twice as doctors fought to save his life when he arrived at Worcestershire Royal Hospital at about 12.30pm.

The retired policeman, who had never suffered with heart problems before, was later transferred to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital to undergo surgery.

He said: "I was waiting for Linda in the car and I knew something was wrong. I cannot really remember much about what happened but I was told later by doctors that if I had got to the hospital 10 or 15 minutes later then I probably would not still be here."

Mr Murcott's wife, Linda, said: "When the officers first called through they were told an ambulance was not available.

"It felt like I was watching my husband die in front of me and there was nothing anyone could do. It is so worrying to think that in the middle of Kidderminster and in the middle of the day there was not an ambulance available straight away."

The couple stressed they had no complaints about the quality of treatment at the scene or in hospital and thanked everyone who helped.

Jenny Procter, spokeswoman for Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service, confirmed the matter would be fully investigated.

She added: "We are glad that the Murcotts felt well looked after by our staff and that Mr Murcott is making a good recovery."