OAP WHO FELL DOWN MANHOLE IGNORED BY PASSERS-BYS

A GRANDAD stuck down a manhole had his cries for help ignored by passers-by for almost an hour.

Clive Colins, 65, was about to open the boot of his car in a busy shopping car park when he stepped back on to a loose manhole cover and tumbled down a 5ft hole.

About 30 people walked past him, even though he was yelling for help and his head, a leg and an arm were stuck above the surface. One woman even parked her car next to him. But she ignored the retired garage owner's cries as she put the roof up on her convertible.

Eventually, the stricken pensioner managed to get his mobile out of his pocket and dialled 999. He was treated in hospital for two broken ribs, a suspected broken jaw and a leg wound that needed 47 stitches.

Clive, of Bournemouth, said: "I must have seen at least 30 people walk past within a few yards of me. I was shouting, 'Help me' and asked for someone to call an ambulance as loud as I could. But everyone just ignored me. I couldn't believe it. I was in agony and could hardly move.

"It's a sign of the times and an awful shame that people don't realise how important it is to look out for others.

"I had backed my car into a space and just got out to get something out of the boot. As I tried to open it, I stepped back on to the manhole, the cover tilted and I fell in. I landed at such an angle that I became stuck by my arms and legs.