Quad bike rider killed in Cannock crash despite residents' attempts to save him

The bike hit a fence in Laburnum Avenue, Cannock and resident Victor Capewell, aged 63, and his wife were first on the scene.

They phoned 999 and Victor carried out chest compressions on the man with help from the ambulance service over the phone until paramedics arrived.

But nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene after the crash at about 5.30pm on Wednesday.

Flowers have been laid at the scene yesterday with one bouquet reading “RIP Ade”.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward as the investigation into the crash continues. The road was initially shut for three hours.

A spokesman from Staffordshire Police said: “Investigating officers are now asking any witnesses to the incident to come forward and ask that anyone who saw a Yamaha quad bike in the area of Laburnum Avenue to get in touch. We also ask that people refrain from speculating on social media.”

Mr Capewell, who lives three doors up from where the crash took place, said: "What happened was I heard the bike and I thought it was one of my friends on his bike, but then I heard the engine stop so I came to the window and I've seen that the bike had turned over and was on the footpath.

"My wife phoned for the ambulance and I ran across. As soon as they got on the phone, they told me what to do and I started chest compressions and waited for the ambulance.

"I just feel sorry for his family and it's such a tragic accident.

"I hope I did the best I could. I'd like to think that if something happened to me or one of my family that people would help me.

"It's just a bit of a built-in instinct to try and help people and it's just really sad that he's died."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival we discovered one patient, a man, who had been riding the quad bike.

“He was in a critical condition and ambulance crews immediately began administering advanced life support. However, sadly despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “The first I heard about it was a phone call saying there’s been an accident outside your house and the police want to see the footage on your CCTV camera.” Anyone with information is urged to call 101.

Anyone with information is urged to call Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 540 of April 7.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org