WILTSHIRE Police have paid tribute to a ‘little hero’ who lost his fight with a rare heart defect at the age of just three.  

Phoenix Curtis underwent four open-heart surgeries and suffered a heart attack and a stroke during his short life.  

The three-year-old was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare defect present at birth in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.

He died on May 27, surrounded by his mum Clare Miller and dad Damien Curtis.  

On the day of his funeral, Swindon Police shared an emotional post on Facebook.  

It says: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Wiltshire Police are today with the family and friends of three-year-old Phoenix Curtis.  

“Our officers in Swindon recently had the honour of fulfilling this little hero’s wish, by allowing him to meet uniformed officers and see our police cars lit up, with the sirens on. 

“His mother Clare Miller contacted us because Phoenix loved the police and was always in awe when he saw police cars rushing past him with the blue lights and sirens going.” 

Officers visited the Orbital Shopping Centre in May to meet little Phoenix and his family.

“He had a fabulous time and enjoyed seeing the cars close up,” the spokesperson added.

“Today (June 23) is his funeral and our officers will be providing a marked police escort for the funeral cortege, travelling from his family’s home address in Coleview to the Kingsdown Crematorium. 

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Phoenix, particularly his parents and siblings, on this incredibly difficult day.”