A football match had to be stopped midway through the first half so an air ambulance could land in the centre circle.

The dramatic incident happened during Clacton Town's important FA Vase clash against Henley at the Rush Green Bowl on Saturday.

A spectator, who has not been named, suffered a heart attack. The club was last night unable to comment on his condition.

With the sides drawing 1-1, play was held up for a quarter of an hour while he was treated by paramedics and flown to hospital.

Clacton Town owner John Shuttleworth said: "It was very surreal seeing a helicopter landing on the pitch."

The match had kicked-off 15 minutes late after the Henley team became stuck in traffic on the A12. Clacton eventually won 3-2.

Published Monday September 13, 2004

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