Heart-attack pensioner drives over wife

Police say shock caused Mr Ranson's heart attack

An 84-year-old man and his wife are recovering in hospital after he accidentally ran her over, then collapsed with a heart attack.

Alex Ranson felt a bump as he reversed into the garage of his home in Stanhope, County Durham.

The octogenarian thought he had hit a rock and not his wife Olive, also aged 84, so he reversed again, accidentally striking her a second time.

She was taken to hospital with a broken leg, and he later suffered a heart attack with the shock of what had happened.

Air ambulance

Skoda Felicia-driver Mr Ranson was taken to hospital by ambulance not long after his wife was admitted.

The pair are now recovering in Durham University Hospital and hope to be released in a couple of days.

A County Durham police spokesman said: "Mr Ranson's wife was behind the car and he unfortunately hit her when he reversed.

"Members of the public waved at him and he then realised what had happened.

"When he was made aware of what had happened Mr Ranson went into shock and suffered a heart attack, and was also taken to hospital."

A paramedic who took Mrs Ranson to hospital by air ambulance said he was only aware Mr Ranson had suffered a heart attack when they landed.