A PARAMEDIC who left a father to try and resuscitate his dying son was today struck off.

Alan MacFarlane failed to start basic life support on eight-year-old Harry Sherman, who had been suffering from breathing problems at his home in Lethe Grove, Blackheath.

He then drove the boy to Colchester General Hospital after failing to check his condition - leaving dad Marlon Sherman with Harry in the back of the ambulance.

On arrival Mr Sherman rushed through the hospital doors with Harry in his arms, while the paramedic was nowhere to be seen.

Harry, who suffered from quadriplegic cerebral palsey, was pronounced dead only minutes later.

MacFarlane was found guilty of failing to provide appropriate care and failing to act professionally by a panel of the Health Professions Council today.

Council panel chairman Jacki Pearce said his conduct fell "woefully" short of what was expected.

MacFarlane and ambulance technician David Hughes, who was with him at the incident, in April 2008 have both since left the East of England Ambulance Service.

FULL REPORT AND REACTION IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE