A student who was dramatically rescued after his car plunged into icy water has spoken of his ordeal.

Bener Koro, 22, who studies accountancy in Chelmsford, was driving to a nightclub at about 10pm on Tuesday when his car flew off a bridge and landed upside down in Sandon Brook, Sandon.

"I had just overtaken a lorry and I was trying to get back in my lane and I saw something, I think it was a rabbit," he said.

Kosovan Mr Koro, of Orchard Close, Chelmsford, swerved and lost control of his Vauxhall Astra and plummeted 15ft into the icy water below.

He said: "I was freezing. I was trying to get out of the car by opening the doors but they wouldn't open."

A passer-by waded into the river to try and free him. Also on the scene was one of Mr Koro's best friends who had become worried when the 22-year-old had not turned up to meet him.

"I had been there for about ten minutes and I saw a light of the torch and I shouted 'I'm over here'.

"There were two of them in the river and they were trying to open the door on the passenger side," he added.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and were trying to wedge the door open with a crowbar. But it was only when firefighters arrived with cutting equipment that Mr Koro was freed.

Sub-officer Les Davis, of Great Baddow fire station, said: "When we arrived the car was overturned in the ditch with just the wheels showing."

Two firefighters waded into the stream up to their waists and were able to open the doors.

Mr Koro is recovering from his shocking experience after being allowed home from Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford on Wednesday afternoon.

"There's still the shock of that night but I'm all right. I've got a bruise on my eye," he said.

Of his rescuers, including the heroic passerby, Mr Koro said: "I'd definitely like to thank them."

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