A HEROIC police officer who smashed through a window in a bid to save a pensioner has been praised by the family.

Anthony Sparks was alone at his home on Stanton Close in Earley last year, when he banged his head and suffered a bleed on the brain.

The quick-thinking officer arrived at his home on December 4 and saw a motionless figure on the floor, forcing her to break through the window and start CPR.

The 69-year-old was found with swelling to his face and doctors at Royal Berkshire Hospital found a wound and bleeding on the back of his head.

He had enough time to alert the police of his condition, but was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital without a pulse.

At the inquest on Thursday, March 16, brother-in-law, Robert Whatmeugh, said: "We would like to record our thanks to all the police officers and the ambulance crew who attended, in particular to recall thanks to the female police officer who exercised initiative by breaking in.

"It is clear that the medical authorities and the police did all they could to save my brother-in-law. Sadly, all efforts were not successful. We are deeply saddened but very grateful for the attention we have been given."

The family described 'Tony' as an increasingly isolated figure who had an artificial pace-maker inserted following a string of heart problems.

His health started to decline after he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and he also suffered from extreme skin irritation.

South Central Ambulance Service took over after the officer broke through the window and started performing CPR.

Although he had an internal defibrillator fitted, he showed no signs of life and was not breathing.

Peter Bedford, senior Coroner for Berkshire, recorded a verdict of accidental death at an inquest at Reading Town Hall.

He said: "I am satisfied that Anthony Sparks died from a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

"Normally after a fall you are able to pick yourself up, but it is often the case that when people get older there can be catastrophic consequences."