FOOTBALL officals battled to save a Hartlepool United fan's life after his heart stopped for five minutes.

The man collapsed suffering from a heart attack and was taken to hospital during half-time at Saturday's game against Bradford at Victoria Park.

Officals at the ground said the man's heart had stopped for five minutes but paramedics, called to the scene, had managed to revive him.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool where he spent the night in intensive care but his condition last night was believed to be steadily improving.

His family were too upset to talk about the incident and his son requested that his identity was not revealed while his father was so ill.

Get well messages were yesterday posted for the man on Hartlepool United supporters websites, one of which is run by his son.

Many fans who saw the man being stretchered away from the Town End of the ground added their thoughts to the sites throughout the day.

One message read: "I hope your dad gets well soon. I am glad that he is pulling through."

An ambulance spokesman confirmed a man was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Saturday afternoon for treatment after collapsing while watching the match.