Motorist run over by own car 'critical'

A MOTORIST is fighting for his life in hospital after he was run over by his own car and then suffered a suspected heart attack.

The 42-year-old was driving through Newnham Close in Mildenhall when he got out of his Chrysler Grand Voyager, allegedly to check a problem with the vehicle.

It is believed he went to the rear of the car, which then started to roll backwards, causing the man's leg to become stuck in the wheel arch.

It is also understood the man had a child in the back of his car when it reversed onto him.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service confirmed the man, who is from the Mildenhall area, suffered leg injuries and “respiratory distress”, possibly brought on as a result of the incident.

“We attended Newnham Close to deal with a man who had his leg caught in the wheel arch of his car,” said the spokeswoman.

“At the time of the rescue, he was experiencing respiratory difficulties. He was attended to by a paramedic at the scene, before being taken to hospital by land ambulance.”

A crew from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was also called to the scene of the incident to a report a man had become trapped by his car, but a spokesman said the victim had been released prior to arrival.

A resident of Newnham Close, who did not want to be named, said: “I don't know anything about the incident but it is a terrible thing to have happened and I can't believe it. It sounds like a freak accident and I hope the poor man recovers.”

Suffolk police is appealing for anybody who might have seen the incident, which happened at around 4.45pm on Monday, to come forward with information.

They said no-one else was involved in the collision, and confirmed the man remained in a “critical condition” in hospital.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Phil Smith at the Bury Roads Policing Unit on 01284 774100.