THE FAMILY of a Hampshire man slashed across the throat says he owes his life to a police officer who carried out emergency first aid.

PC Nick Spratt rushed to help Robert Holden after the 29-year-old father of two was viciously attacked outside The Encore pub in Commercial Road, Southampton, on Saturday.

The victim’s stepdad, Tim Cropp, said the officer held Mr Holden’s throat with both hands to stem the flow of blood.

Mr Holden suffered a gaping 1ft long wound in the incident and was rushed to hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries.

His family say the hunt for his attacker could easily have turned into a murder inquiry had it not been for PC Spratt’s actions.

They have released photographs of Mr Holden lying in hospital to illustrate the severity of the injury the officer had to deal with.

Mr Cropp, 59, said: “Robert and his friend went outside the pub for a cigarette. At the same time a few other people tried to get in but for some reason were refused entry.

“At least one of them started hitting my stepson’s friend. Robert pulled them off and was hit from behind with a bottle.

“Luckily a policeman was nearby. He packed the wound with some sort of dressing and placed his hands either side of my son’s throat to stem the bleeding.

“If he hadn’t been there Robert would be dead and the police would be conducting a murder inquiry.

“I want everyone to know what a fantastic job the officer did. He should get an award for saving Robert’s life - he’s a hero in my view.”

Mr Cropp also praised everyone else involved in saving Mr Holden’s life, including the ambulance crew and doctors at Southampton General Hospital.

He said: “Robert suffered a 1ft wound from just under his ear to his chest, plus three cuts to his head and an injury to his wrist.

“But in terms of the help he received afterwards everything was in his favour. The ambulance arrived very quickly and everyone at the hospital was brilliant.”

Mr Cropp, who lives on the Isle of Wight, said his stepson had made a remarkable recovery and was hoping to be released last night.

He added: “Robert is doing well - really well - but the wound will leave one heck of a scar.”

PC Spratt is a patrol officer based at Portswood in Southampton. Last night he confirmed that he helped administer first aid outside The Encore, which is near the Mayflower Theatre on Commercial Road.

Mr Holden was taken to hospital with what police described as serious head and neck injuries after being attacked between 12.30am and 1am.

Officers have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to as part of the investigation.