A LOCAL policeman who died in a horrific accident in Manchester at the weekend had undergone three operations on his heart.

PC Robert Nathans suffered a heart attack at the wheel of a police troop carrier only minutes after assisting in the arrest of a shoplifter in Manchester city centre.

PC Nathans' widow Miranda said he had a hereditary high cholesterol condition which required precautionary medicinal treatment and occasional open heart surgery to clear the blocked arteries to his heart. "Other than that, he was a fit and capable officer who was able to satisfy medically to the police that he was able to do the job that he loved," said Miranda at her home in Walmersley.

Respect

PC Nathans was buried in the Jewish section of Bury Cemetery on Monday with colleagues from the Greater Manchester area lining the route to the grave as a mark of respect to the popular bobby.

Miranda said: "I have spoken to the other officers who were in the vehicle at the time of my husband's death. They told me everything was done to help him.

"I have been inundated with messages of sympathy from his friends and colleagues which just goes to show the popularity of the man who lived his life for the police. He died where he wanted - on duty and in his uniform."

PC Nathanss joined GMP 21 years ago after spending several years as a Special Constable in Salford.

He was a member of the International Police Association and was instrumental in promoting the use of the American style police utility belts currently used by British police.

PC Nathans and his wife, who have no children, had celebrated their Silver Wedding anniversary only last month.

He held a BSc degree in Police and Policing Studies and was coming to the end of a Open University Masters degree in Criminal Justice. He also raised funds for the Jewish National Fund and was due to take part in a five day challenge walk through Israel in support of the charity

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