A young father who dived into a blazing car to rescue a crash victim was yesterday hailed as a hero. Bricklayer Jason Woods, 20, acted without a thought for his own safety.

A young father who dived into a blazing car to rescue a crash victim was yesterday hailed as a hero.

Bricklayer Jason Woods, 20, acted without a thought for his own safety when he and his partner Sam Cox came across the vehicle - which had hit a tree - as they were travelling along a country road near their Pulham Market home with baby son Riley.

After they had driven past, Mr Woods looked back and realised the accident must have happened recently as he could see a rear indicator of the crashed car was still flashing.

They turned their car round so he could take a closer look and he discovered to his horror that the driver was still in the front seat of the vehicle and that it was on fire, its interior full of dense smoke.

The victim is in his 40s and from the Norwich area. Last night he was still in a serious condition at a specialist burns unit at Chelmsford.

Mr Woods said: “When I looked through from the front passenger side I could just see the silhouette of the man, and when I pulled open the door there was a big whoosh of flame came bursting out. So I ran round to the other side and yanked the driver's door open. The man was badly burned, and I pulled him out. I didn't really have time to think about it when the car burst into flames. I just wanted to see if he was all right.”

Mr Woods was treated for breathing in smoke when the ambulance arrived but was otherwise unhurt.

Miss Cox said: “I think he is one of the bravest people alive. There aren't many people who would go into a burning car that might explode at any time to save someone's life.”

The accident involved a grey Peugeot 307 that had been travelling along Wood Lane towards the south Norfolk village at about 11.10am on Sunday, September 16.

Any witnesses are asked to call Norfolk police on 0845 456 4567.