A MAN collapsed and died on Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth.

It is thought the man, 43, suffered breathing difficulties near the junction of Ilchester Road, before collapsing.

Police and ambulances rushed to the scene on Thursday evening, and a witness said paramedics tried to revive the man for around half an hour.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We were called by ambulance at around 7.10pm to a report that a man had collapsed.

“Officers arrived on scene, where the ambulance crew confirmed the man was deceased on their arrival.”

He added: “It is thought the man, believed to be 43 years old and from Weymouth, became ill while walking in the street.

“His next of kin have been informed.”

Dorset Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Pat Young, a nearby resident, said: “I live directly opposite where it happened, and I first knew about it when I saw all the flashing lights.

“They spent ages trying to bring him around, it must have been about half an hour, and they were working on him in the street.

“I did wonder what had happened, because the ambulance didn't have the siren on when it drove away, but it's very sad that he died.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Councillor Ian James, who represents Westham East said it was a 'horrible' thing to have happened.

He said: “These things do happen, but when they happen in a public place they do hit home particularly hard.

“This is no age to die. It's not very nice at any time of year, but with is being so dark and cold at the moment, it is an especially horrible way to go.”

Coun James added: “This must be very hard for his family and I would like to pass on my condolences.”

A spokesman for South West Ambulance said paramedics responded to a call stating that a man was suffering breathing difficulties.

He said: “We received a call at around 6.10pm and sent two ambulances to the scene.

“We did not convey anyone to hospital.”

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