A NEWPORT County fan was re-united last night with the quick-thinking policeman who “brought him back to life” after a suspected heart attack.

Lifelong supporter Gerald Evans was on his way to the Torquay away game last month when he started to have breathing difficulties and collapsed.

The 55-year-old, who has a history of heart problems, suffered a suspected heart attack to the horror of his nephew, Mark Avery.

But fortunately Gwent Police officer PC Matthew Screen, who had also travelled to the game as a spotter, was on hand and able to resuscitate him.

The pair had spoken on the phone previously but yesterday was the first time Mr Evans had been able thank him personally for what he did that day.

“He saved my life,” said the Stockton Road resident, a Newport County fan since his first game in 1969. “I will always be grateful to him for what he did.”

Mr Evans’ nephew Mr Avery added: “What he did was remarkable. He gave him the kiss of life. The whole family literally can’t thank him enough.”

PC Screen told the Argus: “When we got to Gerald it was clear he was unwell – he was on his knees and he wasn’t really responding. We were speaking to him, trying to keep him awake and conscious, and his nephew Mark told us he heart problems. Myself and the other officer are both fully trained in first aid and we put him in a ‘W’ position, sitting up with his knees towards his chest, but he lost consciousness shortly after that.

“We conducted CPR on him, and a few minutes passed before he came back around. In that sort of situation you go into autopilot – you don’t think too much, you just get on with it. It’s great to see Gerald today looking so well.”

Chief Inspector Ian Wilkinson, from Gwent Police said: “Matthew’s selfless actions in helping Mr Evans exemplified his professional and caring attitude towards the public. His quick thinking and cool head under pressure is source of great pride for me and his colleagues at Gwent Police."

"We wish Mr Evans and his family all the best for the future and hope his next away trip is less eventful."

A Newport County spokesman said: “Most importantly Gerald seems to be recovering fine, and with that in mind the club wanted to convey our gratitude for the fact that a Newport County fan had his life saved by a member of our local police force.”