by Nick Lillitosnlillitos@thekmgroup.co.uk

Two security officers helped a man reportedly trying to commit suicide in a busy Maidstone road.

The anti-litter patrol officers were on duty in Week Street when horrified members of the public informed them a man was severely self-harming in Station Road.

A gruesome scene greeted Jade Hooper and Danny Herbert when they rushed there last Friday afternoon.

Standing in the middle of the road was a man in his mid-20’s shouting and cutting himself with a ripped drinks can.

Danny Herbert, who works for local authority support provider the XFOR Group, told the Messenger: “It was a horrible sight. The man was clearly disturbed and shouting obscenities.

"He had cut himself three or four times across the throat and made cuts to his forehead and face – it looked like he was trying to kill himself.”

The pair swung into action with Jade, 23, trying to talk to the man while Danny controlled the gathering crowds.

"It was a long 15 minutes trying to calm him down,” said Miss Hooper. “I told him we were here to help him and after a while gained his trust.

“I said I was not going to hurt him and that he could trust me. He then put his hand touchingly on my shoulder as if to say he did. I felt very sorry for him. He told us he was autistic.

"When the ambulance and police arrived he kicked off again but I managed to calm him down once more.”