A former trainee paramedic has told how he battled in vain to save the life of a man he saw lying on a pavement.

Michael Hayes, aged 25, was on his way home after getting a pizza for his dinner when he drove past a group of people standing next to a man laying in Victoria Road, Margate.

When he got out of his car he discovered the man was unresponsive and started to administer CPR.

Despite his best efforts the man could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene after 10pm last night.

Police have said the death is being treated as unexplained and officers are investigating.

The man's identity has not been released.

Mr Hayes, who is a clinical support worker at Medway Maritime Hospital, spoke to KentOnline about last night and how he was the first medically-trained person on the scene.

"It's hard for me to say exactly how long I was conducting CPR because you're thinking about what you're doing so much but it was probably five or six minutes before the ambulance arrived," he said about the ordeal.

"When I got there, there were people standing with him on the phone to the emergency services."

Mr Hayes, who has recently moved from Chatham Maritime to Arlington Gardens, Dane Valley, was travelling with his partner Franklyn.

"My main concern is that his family have found out" - Michael Hayes

Speaking about the scene that greeted him he added: "He had a little mark on his head that could be from anything.

"It was obviously very sad but my condolences go to his family.

"My main concern is that his family have found out.

"I just hope they know he wasn't on his own and there were people around him."

When asked if he thought he was a hero Mr Hayes replied: "I'd never expect it. I was just doing what my training would say that I should do.

"The emergency services were grateful and they did say thank you for stopping."

"I never really expected any thanks, it's what everybody should do."

He added that he thought everyone should know basic life support.

"You never know when you're going to come across something like that," he added.

Mr Hayes also said all children should be taught it at school as it could save the lives of their friends or family.