RESIDENTS have praised an off-duty ambulance worker who came to the rescue of a woman lying unconscious in the street.

About a dozen neighbours rallied round to help the woman, believed to be in her mid-40s, who had suffered head injuries.

A handful of people were alerted when a car horn sounded in Crown Lane, Horwich, at about 10.30pm last night.

A police investigation has been launched to establish how the woman came by her injuries. Officers were working at the scene in the early hours of this morning.

A large cordon was installed at the junctions with Hilton Avenue and James Street and traffic was being diverted.

Resident Robert Milton, aged 61, said: "I heard a car horn blow, looked out of the window and saw a lady lying on the floor. She seemed dazed.

"We fetched some blankets to keep her warm until an ambulance arrived and asked if we could do anything else."

One of the residents called upon ambulance technician Alex Reynolds, who is well known in the community.

He put the woman into the recovery position and administered first aid until an ambulance arrived.

Another resident called 999 and stayed on the phone talking to the call-handler.

Mr Reynolds, aged 28, said: "There was a poor lady in the middle of the road with blankets over her. I quickly ran to get my first aid kit and attended to her. She was unconscious and only responding to pain. I had to make sure there were no life-threatening bleeds.

"Luckily it was only two or three minutes before the ambulance arrived.

"We have since heard that she is still in hospital but stable."

He added: "A few of the neighbours knocked on the door to thank me. The response from the community was amazing."

Residents described Mr Reynolds as a "superstar".

Dozens of people have wished the woman a speedy recovery.

One said: "I know the lady. She is a lovely woman. I hope she recovers quickly."

Another said: "I really hope the lady makes a swift recovery. She has had a lucky escape."