Medic hurt in hit-run smash

A paramedic was involved in a hit-and-run while answering a 999 call in Wolverhampton that was today branded a "waste of time" by ambulance chiefs.

The man's Vauxhall Vectra estate collided with a stolen moped in Prestwood Road, Wednesfield, as he responded to an alleged heart attack victim last night.

The rider fled after the crash at 7.45pm and was today being sought by police, who were examining a helmet found at the scene.

It was later discovered the emergency caller had nothing worse than a headache.

The moped reportedly pulled out in front of the paramedic, giving him no chance to avoid the impact that wrecked the bike. The rider was thrown off but escaped, despite a police helicopter being called in.

Murray MacGregor, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said today: "The paramedic had quite serious neck pain but still got out of the vehicle after the accident and went to the house where there was supposed to have been a cardiac arrest to find that the woman was only complaining of a headache.

"His efforts were completely wasted."

The air ambulance also landed at the scene.