The family of a Morden grandfather who lay dying as a paramedic spent 16 minutes conducting a health and safety assessment outside his hime have demanded an apology.

Roy Adams, 61, of Beaver Close, who died from a suspected heart attack on June 29, was told to leave his front door open during a 999 call.

But it is thought that a rapid response medic arriving at the scene within six minutes stayed outside the flat fearing burglars might be inside.

Daughter Catherine Adams, 37, blamed a break down in communications for her father’s death.

She said: “We have to write to them [the ambulance service] asking questions, but that’s something we can’t even begin to do at the moment, our dad’s funeral is on Friday.

“We want an apology but that will never happen - it would mean someone takes the blame.

“Their whole attitude is that the right procedure has been followed but when a life’s at stake, common sense has to be used. Does a soldier in Afghanistan or a police officer in a terrorist attack carry out a risk assessment before saving lives?”

Younger daughter, Sarah Adams, 23, added: “It makes me feel sick to think that the paramedic waited outside for 16 minutes.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) confirmed the paramedic conducted a risk assessment before calling for police assistance, citing safety concerns.

An LAS spokesman said the incident is under investigation - the findings of which will be shared with Mr Adams' family.

He added: "We would like to offer our condolences to Mr Adams’s family following the 999 call to his address on 29 June.

“We were called at 12.14 am and sent two single responders in cars, an ambulance crew and a duty officer to the scene.

“The first member of our staff arrived on scene and requested police assistance due to safety concerns. He then took the decision to enter the property alone, while maintaining telephone contact with our control room.”

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