Shocked staff had to be sent home after a man collapsed and died in a Basildon benefits office.

Workers desperately tried to resuscitate the man after he was taken ill with a suspected heart attack, but were unable to revive him.

The 41-year-old was being interviewed in connection with alleged fraud at the Benefits Agency's Great Oaks office when he complained of feeling unwell.

A staff firstaider gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and heart massage before paramedics arrived.

The man was pronounced dead at Basildon Hospital. Coroners were unable to release details of the cause of death.

A number of workers, including the woman interviewing the man, were sent home suffering from shock.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "Everyone was totally shocked. He started feeling unwell during the interview but said he was OK to continue but then he collapsed.

"The firstaider who tried to help him did everything she could. She was very upset that she lost him. It was very distressing for everyone involved."

Paramedics said staff did all they could to save the man.

Nick Booth, of Essex Ambulance service, said: "The staff did really well in trying to resuscitate him and did all the right things before we arrived and continued to do the right things while we were there."

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