Youths praised for providing first aid to stranger in Weymouth

Police officers on patrol were flagged down by a group of young people on the Marsh Playing Field in Weymouth on Sunday night.

The group of youths were said to have given first aid and stayed with the man, who was not known to them, for 'well over an hour' as they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The Marsh, Weymouth. Picture: Weymouth & Portland Police

The man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The young people have been praised for their heroic action and community spirit by the patrolling officers, and also a local councillor who is looking to do something special to say thank you to the group.

Cllr Alex Fuhrmann, who represents the Westham East ward, said: "Though it was an unfortunate circumstance, the young people who assisted are a shining light for our community, with their responsible reaction.

"Too often there are those that complain about our teenagers, though I feel they sometimes do forget what it was like themselves, and we all have our own path to tread.

"I’d personally like to thank them and also give credit to the parents for raising their children with the morals to serve their community in such a way. I’ll personally be seeking out some local businesses who might want to support in giving an extra special thanks to this particular group."

A spokesman for Weymouth & Portland Police said: "Many thanks to the group of five young people who provided first aid to a male on The Marsh Playing Fields this evening. The group stayed with the male until ambulance arrived, well over an hour later.

"Neighbourhood Officers on patrol were flagged down by the group to provide extra help and support. The male who was not known to the group has now been taken to hospital.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Team will follow this up with thank you letters to highlight their great community spirit."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 9.42pm of a man requiring medical assistance in the area of Knightsdale Road. Officers attending and provided assistance, along with members of the public, pending the arrival of the ambulance."

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust said: “We were called at 8.32pm on Sunday, May 8, to an incident in Weymouth. We sent a double-crewed land ambulance and conveyed one patient to Dorset County Hospital”.