70-stone man 'in hospital after heart attack'

A 70-stone man was taken to hospital after suffering from a suspected heart attack, it was reported today.

It is believed that Paul Mason, 48, was moved from his home in Ipswich, Suffolk, by a specially built bariatric ambulance designed for obese patients.

Mr Mason, who is thought to be the world's heaviest man, was taken to nearby Ipswich Hospital.

A spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "Yesterday afternoon we were contacted by the patient's GP who was at his home.

"After the initial assessment it was decided that he needed to go to hospital.

"We do not have an ambulance that can carry a patient who weighs over 30 stone so we contacted St John Ambulance Service who have a specialist bariatric ambulance.

"They arrived and conveyed him to hospital, where he was admitted."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said she could not comment because of patient confidentiality.

It is understood Mr Mason recently had gastric bypass surgery at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex.

Patients who receive the treatment typically experience dramatic weight loss.