Published: Saturday, 20th September, 2008 10:00am

Probe into 'rogue' ambulance in Slough

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SLOUGH'S ambulance service is investigating claims of a ‘maniac' driver posing as a paramedic across the town.

Staff at Wexham Ambulance Station are trying to locate the pseudo paramedic who has intimated people six times recently.

He struck again on Tuesday when he threatened to knock a dad-of-three Cliff Pritchard off his bike.

The 35-year-old victim was cycling along London Road, Langley when he claims a bogus ambulance man pulled up dangerously close to him outside Tesco garage at around 11am on Tuesday.

Mr Pritchard said: "When I turned around to see who nearly knocked me down, I was shocked to see an ambulance car with blue flashing lights. I first thought he must have been rushing to an emergency so I didn't think any of it. But then he stated fing and blinding and sticking his fingers up at me. I noticed he wasn't in uniform and knew something was wrong as that's not normal behaviour for a paramedic."

When Mr Pritchard, of London Road, Langley, questioned the man's reaction, the fake paramedic allegedly began chasing him down the road.

He added: "He was driving like a crazed maniac and mounted the kerb several times and tried to knock me off my bike. He also yelled he was going to squash and kill me. It's only because I'm quick that I managed to get away. But a child or women with a buggy wouldn't have been so lucky!"

Andy Pope, station manager at Wexham Ambulance Station, said: "We believe it's the same man. One couple said he tried to reverse into them on the High Street. This pseudo paramedic doesn't work for us and my staff are trying to locate him. I'd warn anyone who sees him to stay away.

"This is very worrying because anyone can buy the ambulance markings and a flashing blue light and stick them on their car."

The fake paramedic is white, stocky built, around 6 ft tall with short brown hair.

A police spokeswoman said officers have viewed CCTV footage and could not see any offences committed. However officers are still investigating and anyone with more information should call on 0845 8 505 505.