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A police officer fought a life and death battle in a Huddersfield street to save an attack victim.

Now Pc Khalid Sadiq has been honoured for his efforts to help the man who suffered severe head injuries, bringing back from the brink of death.

Pc Sadiq has been awarded a Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificate for his fight for life outside the McDonalds restaurant in Kirkgate, Huddersfield.

And, in addition to the award he has also won the personal praise of Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society.

Mr Wilkinson said : “There is little doubt that PC Sadiq saved the victim’s life. But for his prompt action it is almost certain he would have died. PC Sadiq richly deserves this award.”

PC Sadiq had been called to an incident on May 4 last year and when he arrived he saw the victim, a Huddersfield man, being punched and then falling to the pavement where he banged his head and stopped moving.

Mr Wilkinson said : “Soon afterwards a woman screamed that the victim was bleeding and PC Sadiq went to his assistance. He was unconscious and bleeding heavily from his face and the back of his head. He was turning blue and had stopped breathing.

“PC Sadiq began to administer cardiac pulmonary resuscitation and after around ten chest compressions the victim coughed up some blood and began to breathe. However, he then stopped breathing again and PC Sadiq resumed CPR.

“After a further 15 compressions the victim began to breathe again and PC Sadiq monitored him until an ambulance arrived”.

Insp Jon Dunkerley, of Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is fantastic to see that one of my officers used his first aid skills in such a positive way in what was a spontaneous, rapidly unfolding situation. He was put forward for this award by the Force and I am delighted that he has now been formally recognised for saving this man’s life.

“Huddersfield is generally a safe place to live and socialise and thankfully incidents such as occurred that night are rare; however our officers are only too aware of the devastating effects that one punch can have, especially when the victim strikes the kerb or pavement as they fall.

“The police are often the first responders on the scene and this incident demonstrates the value of equipping our officers with basic first aid skills to provide medical assistance prior to the arrival of other emergency services.”

The Royal Humane Society was founded in 1774 by two of the day’s eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan. Their primary motive was to promote techniques of resuscitation.

However, as it emerged that numerous people were prepared to put their own lives at risk to save others, the awards scheme evolved, and today a variety of awards are made depending on the bravery involved.