A MAN has thanked everyone who helped after his grandson lost his leg in a motorbike crash.

His grandson, who does not want to be named, lost control of his bike in Mersea Road, Colchester on July 9.

One of his legs was severed by a sign.

Former policeman Stewart Fordell, of Colchester, said: “As a family, we would like to thank everyone who helped.

“A husband and wife used a belt as a tourniquet, someone esle took my grandson’s friend home, the police were superb as were the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance who arrived so quickly.

“Without them, he would have lost his life through loss of blood.”

Theman was taken to the Royal London Hospital and one of his legs was amputated below the knee.

The family will be meeting the air ambulance crew to thank them next week.