A proud father today hailed his son a hero after he saved two people from death when a car exploded into a ball of fire.

John Bell's son, John junior, came home from a night out in Basildon and dragged two helpless passengers out of a car involved in a high speed crash.

Seconds later the car burst into flames and all three escaped with their lives.

After the act of bravery the man and woman, said to be in their twenties and both thought to be joyriders, fled - leaving John shocked by the whole episode.

Mr Bell of Goat's Moor Lane, Stock, Billericay, was full of praise for his heroic boy.

He said: "My son's a hero, he is modest and won't admit it.

"He risked his life to save them it was an act of pure bravery.

"If he hadn't had acted as he did both those caught in the car would not have been here today - I am so proud."

John Bell Junior, 20, had been out with friends to Jumpin' Jaks night club in Basildon and had got a taxi back to the family home.

Proud - father John Bell beside the burned out vehicle

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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