Husband and wife Martin and Sarah Falkingham, who are both doctors, were at their home in Kingsley Road, when at 4.30pm on Thursday they were told a man was lying - apparently dead - on the floor a few doors down.

The GPs rushed to the scene and discovered their beloved neighbour John was unconscious after suffering a cardiac arrest.

They gave life-saving CPR before emergency services, including an air ambulance, arrived.

It is believed the quick actions of the couple, who were on annual leave and had been on their way out to celebrate their son’s birthday, helped save John’s life.

They were assisted by another neighbour, Fiona Moon, a nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

John, who is believed to be in his early 70s, is in critical care at the N&N. 

STREET DRAMA

Sarah, 43, who works at Theatre Royal Surgery in Dereham, said: "Our hairdresser was doing someone's hair down the road and she came running to us and said there is a man dead in the street.

"We got there a minute after he collapsed.

"I came out and thought oh, he's dead.

"I thought we cannot let him die - he is our neighbour and we love him.

"Had we been a minute or two later it might not have been the same outcome.

"He was not breathing and he had no pulse.

"I gave him a precordial thump, which is when you hit someone really hard on the chest and it simulates an electric shock.

"We then gave CPR.

"The first thing I said when the ambulance got here is we need an airway.

"They put the defibrillator on and after the third shock he got a pulse back which was brilliant.

"Because we did good quality CPR that is the reason he survived."

Martin, 41, who works at Magdalen Medical Practise, added: "It is really critical to start CPR as soon as possible.

"I was thinking keep calm and follow the protocol."

The couple were giving CPR for 10 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

The pair added that this is the second time they have had to give CPR on the street and are planning to campaign to get a defibrillator installed.

Sarah added: "It was just very lucky we were on annual leave. "I really hope we do not have to do this again."

Neighbours, including Christian, who lives between John and the couple were also shaken by the events.

Christian said: "We all need a bit of luck and we all need unconditional support from time to time.

"The stars were aligned."