Bravery award for couple who saved man's life

Det Ch Supt Jon Hutchinson said the couple showed "remarkable courage, compassion, composure, and selflessness"

A former police officer and his wife have been recognised with a bravery award after saving a man's life following a crash.

Luigi Rossetti and Tina Digiorgio from Peterborough, were packing up their van at their home in Peterborough on 30 December when an 81-year-old man suffered a medial episode behind the wheel before crashing his car into a nearby front garden.

The couple heard a "loud bang" and ran to the scene where they freed the man from his car before Mr Rossetti performed CPR for 10 minutes, before emergency services took him to the City Hospital.

Earlier this month, the pair, from Fletton, were each awarded a Royal Humane Society Award.

The society, established in 1774, recognises acts of bravery in saving human life and promoting safety.

Mr Rosetti, who used to be based at Thorpe Wood police station, said: "I ran across, followed by my wife, and the engine was still running so I turned that off.

"It was a struggle to get him out as he was trapped but, with my wife's help, I managed to get him to a place of safety.

"My instincts just kicked in and it was pure luck we happened to be there.

"It was a bit shocking – I heard this loud bang and was taken aback a bit by it all, but it was just natural to run towards it. I hope anyone would do the same if something like that happened to me."

'Remarkable courage'

Mr Rosetti said he kept in touch with the victim, who happened to live nearby and had since made full recovery.

"It was very emotional the first time we met [after the initial car crash], and he was very grateful," he said.

"It was also nice to see he had made a full recovery, and he was due to get his licence back soon.

"Me helping was nothing really – I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It was nice to be recognised that you have done something to save someone's life."

The couple were presented with the award at police headquarters in Huntingdon by Det Ch Supt Jon Hutchinson.

"Both Luigi and Tina showed remarkable courage, compassion, composure, and selflessness in the face of a crisis," he said.

"Their actions that day exemplify the very best of our community and their willingness to step forward and help in a moment of need made the difference between life and death."