Breakdown driver drags man from burning car

A man who rescued an elderly man from a burning car said it was "not a big deal".

Clive Jarvis, from Worcester, dragged him from the blaze after the man tried to re-enter his car while it was on fire.

The fire happened on Malvern Road, Powick, near the city, on Thursday morning.

The 38-year-old said: "It was very stupid to risk my life when you think about it but at the end of the day they are someone's parents."

A breakdown recovery truck driver, Mr Jarvis said he was passing when he saw the vehicle at the side of the road with what he thought was steam pouring from the engine.

After stopping he said he realised the problem was much more serious as there was a fire next to the battery under the bonnet.

He told the couple to get out of the car and called the emergency services but was forced to act when the elderly man tried to save his belongings.

"The old boy went back in and as he did the car went up [in flames] and I dragged him out," he recalled.

"There were already flames but within 30 minutes the whole car had gone up."

Mr Jarvis admitted he did not even consider the dangers or risks to himself.

"I thought nothing of it, I cannot explain it, it just happened," he said.

Two firefighters put the blaze out as the car was well alight when they arrived after they were called at about 10:15 BST on Thursday, the fire service said.

The driver and passenger were then checked over by a paramedic and advised to go to A&E, a spokesperson added.

Mr Jarvis' partner, Shelley Ireson, said she was "very proud" of his actions.

"Clive always stops if he sees someone broken down," she said.

"He does it all the time but this time was a bit more dramatic.

"It took guts to do what he did - I am very proud of him."

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