Surrey Police is praising a quick-thinking police officer who helped save the life of a baby girl after she accidentally swallowed a plastic tag while playing at her home in Oxted.

PC Tristan Barnett was on patrol around the Oxted area when a distressed man appeared from a house calling for help after his eight-month-old daughter Amelia had stopped breathing.

On entering the house, PC Barnett followed his first aid training and administrated several slaps to Amelia's back causing her to cough which dislodged the piece of plastic before ambulance crews arrived and took her to hospital for a full check up, which showed her airways to be clear.

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Angie Austin, said: "I am extremely proud of PC Barnett and although Tristan is being very modest about his actions, it doesn't get much better than saving the life of a baby and he should be recognised for his work.

"Incidents like this just show how vital first aid training is and I would urge anyone who can to take a course, you never know when you may need it."

PC Tristan Barnett, added: "I am just grateful I was able to assist and help revive Amelia, who has made a full recovery following the incident and I wish her all the best for the future. I have never been so relieved to hear a child cry before."

Amelia's parents, Barry and Michelle, said: "We have never been so relieved to see a police officer before and are so glad they were on patrol in our area when Amelia stopped breathing. We can not express how grateful we are to PC Barnett."

"We have been looking at taking a first aid course since the incident took place as we now know just how valuable they can be."