A pensioner has died after he collapsed while using a leisure centre gym, it has been confirmed.

Details of the tragedy come after police and the ambulance crews were called to Tenterden Leisure Centre yesterday morning.

It is reported staff at the Recreation Ground Road site immediately performed CPR at the scene, and also used to defibrillator in an attempt to revive the man in his 70s.

A Tenterden Leisure Centre spokesperson said: "We can confirm the extremely sad news that a Tenterden Leisure Centre customer in his 70s collapsed earlier today, while using our gym.

"Our trained team were quickly on the scene performing CPR along with the use of a defibrillator.

"An ambulance was called immediately and medical staff from the nearby GP surgery also attended the scene to assist.

“Once the ambulance team arrived, the first responders took over.

"However, following many attempts, it was not possible to resuscitate the gentleman, and it was sadly confirmed that he had passed away.

“Tenterden Leisure Centre would like to extend its condolences to the gentleman’s family at this time.

“Staff and customers affected by this very sad incident are being supported.”

Ambulance service spokesman Rich Airey said yesterday: "I can confirm that ambulance crews attended the leisure centre to reports a person had collapsed at approximately 9.45am on Tuesday, June 11.

"Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone, the person died at the scene."

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 9.46am on Tuesday, June 11 to a report of a medical incident.

"Officers attended Tenterden Leisure Centre to assist crews from the South East Coast Ambulance Service."

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