TAXI driver Bill Haylock has spoken of his dramatic mercy dash to try to save the life of a passenger who died after suffering a suspected heart attack.

The incident happened when Mr Haylock picked up Bob Oliver, 64, from High Street, Sheerness, on Thursday.

He had just dropped off another passenger when Mr Oliver told him he was experiencing chest pains and flashing in front of his eyes.

Bill said: “He had only been in the cab for three or four minutes when he said the chest pains were back again, then he started gurgling and his head just dropped.”

Bill took Mr Oliver to Sheppey Community Hospital. Another driver from Sheppey Taxis warned hospital reception staff. The Kent Air Ambulance arrived and the helicopter crew joined medics in the attempt to resuscitate him.

But he failed to respond and was pronounced dead by a doctor.

Bill added: “I’ve been punishing myself and couldn’t sleep wondering if I could have done more, but hospital staff said I had done the best thing.”

Mr Oliver lived in Wards Hill Road, Minster. His next-door neighbour, who preferred not to give her name, said: “He was a nice enough bloke who kept himself to himself. He had been our neighbour for many years.” Mr Oliver was a regular at nearby Minster Working Men’s Club, which flew the Union Flag at half-mast.