Home and Away to air a heartbreaking death storyline

 Xander's paramedic shift takes a terrible turn.

Home and Away airs a tragedy for Xander Delaney on UK screens next week.

Xander is working a paramedic shift when he and his colleague are viciously attacked by a gang, with terrible consequences.

The thugs ambush the ambulance looking for drugs and show no mercy towards Xander and his workmate Jamie, who are standing in their way.

Xander loses consciousness in the attack and later wakes up in hospital. Despite his own injuries, his only concern is for his ambulance partner Jamie.

Xander's sister Rose is forced to deliver the terrible news that Jamie died at the scene.

Confident that she can use her position in the police to ensure that justice is served, Rose promises Xander that she'll do everything she can to pursue those responsible for Jamie's death.

As part of his treatment, Xander has to go in for surgery.

Local doctor Bree Cameron refuses to leave the hospital until her friend and housemate is given the all-clear.

Sadly, Xander's post-surgical recovery is far from smooth as he wakes up feeling disorientated and confused.

Xander lashes out in the heat of the moment, accidentally kicking Bree in the stomach.

This concerns Remi Carter, who knows that Bree has recently had an abortion. He worries that Bree's recovery could be jeopardised by Xander's accidental violence.

Meanwhile, Rose is intrigued when she learns that a patient has been brought into the hospital after seemingly suffering a drug overdose.

Rose wonders whether this could be connected to Xander's attackers, who may have already sold on the drugs that they stole.

Blurring the line between her roles as sister and police officer, Rose sneaks in to interview the patient.

Rose then uses the patient's phone to track down the drug dealer and lure him into a police sting.

Rose chases after the dealer and puts the man in handcuffs, pleased that he'll now face the consequences of his actions. But will this be enough for Xander as he reflects on the heartbreaking loss of his colleague?

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.