An 82-year-old man who had collapsed in the street in Erith had his life saved by an on-duty crew of refuse workers.

George Edwards had gone missing from his home in Erith at 1am on Thursday, March 26, and was reported as 'high risk' by local police searching for him.

A refuse crew who were working in the early hours on the Frobisher estate in Erith spotted an elderly man, who was not wearing any socks or shoes, collapsed in the street.

The team came to his rescue, wrapping him in a foil blanket and a coat, and staying with him until an ambulance arrived and took him to hospital.

Bexley Council said that thanks to the "prompt actions" of the refuse crew, Mr Edwards has now made a full recovery and is back at home with his family.

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Councillor Peter Craske, cabinet member for places, said: "This gentleman may owe his life to the crew from Serco, who are working hard to maintain a service despite very high levels of absence due to Coronavirus.

ā€œIā€™d like to thank them for the help they gave Mr Edwards and for everything they are doing to try to maintain our refuse and recycling collections.ā€

Bexley's refuse collecting service, like many nationwide, has had to adapt to the current circumstances, and are working hard to pick up outstanding material this week.

The need for social distancing, more parked cars, extra waste and staff absences do mean its crews are taking longer to collect refuse & recycling.