A GOOD Samaritan is being sought after helping as a family escaped injury when their car burst into flames in Rockwell Green at the weekend.

The red 1980 Ford Mk2 Escort was being driven at the time by James David when the engine started smoking and then suddenly caught alight and quickly engulfed the whole car in flames.

Mr David is believed to be a member of Somerset RC Raceway, which had just held a meet in Rockwell Green Village Hall for its remote controlled model stock car racing members.

The drama happened at about 10.15 pm on Saturday (June 13) as Mr David drove through the traffic lights at the Popes Lane-Exeter Road crossroads.

The incident was witnessed by Wellington Wildcats football team goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn, who had just driven some friends home.

Ms Hamlyn said a neighbour gave Mr David a fire extinguisher which he used to try to put out the flames and was almost, but not quite, successful.

Mr David kept other drivers back from the scene because of the risk of the vehicle exploding until the fire crews arrived.

Both appliances from Wellington Fire Station were mobilised by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFR) and the firefighters were able to quickly put out the blaze, but not before the car was completely destroyed.

A DSFR spokesperson said: “Crews used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire, but it was 100 per cent damaged by fire.”

The spokesperson said the cause was considered ‘accidental’.

Now, Mr David is appealing for anybody who might know the identity of a man who had been sitting on a bench at the end of Popes Lane who rushed to help, so he can offer his thanks.

The Wellington Weekly has reached out to Mr David but has not been able to contact him.