A TODDLER was saved by members of the public who pulled him from a car moments before it burst into flames.

Passers-by rushed to help a woman and a boy, two, who were trapped in a car after an accident on the Ardleigh Interchange.

Mark Peacock, the woman’s partner, has taken to social media to track down the people who saved his family.

The post has been shared more than 3,500 times.

In his message he explains the car lost power, smoke started pouring out of the engine and the brakes failed.

His partner drove onto the embankment and hit a tree trunk.

She tried to open the door but could not get out, and a couple who were passing ran over when they heard her screams.

She opened the window and members of the public pulled her out and got the child out of the back seat.

Mr Peacock said: “A gentleman frantically managed to open the electric sliding side door.

“However he struggled to get the two-year-old out as he was strapped into a child seat.

“My son finally got out and after a couple of minutes the car exploded.”

Fire engines from Colchester and Weeley were called to the incident on Sunday at 11.44am.

They extinguished the blaze just before 12.30pm.

Paramedics treated the woman and the little boy and took them to hospital for further checks.

They were not believed to be injured.

Mr Peacock wants to track down the people who helped to thank them for saving his partner and son.

He said: “I nearly lost two of the most precious people in my life.

“I wish to thank with all my heart the heroic members of the public who pulled my partner and toddler from the car before it exploded into flames.

“In particular a lady and gentleman who were first on scene.

“The car’s electric system appears to have failed which meant the doors wouldn’t open.

“I would love to identify these people in order to personally thank them.”

Were you the people who rushed to help, or do you know who they are? Call our newsdesk on 01206 508432.