THREE Romsey bobbies have been honoured by Hampshire Police's chief constable for saving a critically injured man's life.

The swift actions of PCs Tony Bratton, Nick Burton and Tracy Swainston saved the life of the man, who does not want to be identified, after he severed an artery in his arm.

The officers were called to Malmesbury Road in Romsey during a snowstorm in December.

In nearby Jubilee Road they found the man bleeding heavily after putting his fist and arm through a glass window.

Realising his life was in real danger, the officers decided not to wait for an ambulance but to take the man to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester by patrol car.

Once there he was given a blood transfusion and medics treated his wound.

PC Bratton, who had to drive through atrocious weather conditions to get to the hospital, said: "We made the decision to run with blue lights. If we'd waited for an ambulance, he would not have made it.

"It was a nightmare driving in the blizzard."

PC Burton said: "I kept him alert. At the end of the day when someone has serious injuries it is best to keep them alert and conscious.''

Meanwhile PC Swainston put pressure on the man's wound to stem the bleeding.

He said: "I was very worried he wouldn't make it. There was a very good chance he would have died if we'd waited for an ambulance. On the journey he started to pass out and fade.''

Hampshire's chief constable Paul Kernaghan recognised the trio's public-spirited actions by awarding them each a framed certificate.

Romsey's police chief Peter Funnell said: "Had they not done what they did, he could well have died. If they hadn't found him, he would have definitely died out in the cold.

"He owes his life to the officers. They carried out a sterling piece of work and did very well indeed."