FIRE crews who fought to extinguish a blazing car transporter on the M5, near Droitwich Spa, have thanked the mystery motorist who put himself between them and oncoming traffic.

The unknown man put his own life at risk when he stopped, flicked on his hazard lights and stood in the road as a series of explosions erupted from the double decker transporter.

"This guy stood in the middle lane and waved traffic down to enable crews to get across the northbound carriageway safely," said Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie.

"We would like to thank the man for his bravery."

Carrying 10 Toyotas, the vehicle ran into trouble at 9pm, last Wednesday night, when a front tyre burst on the northbound carriageway near Junction six.

The driver managed to get out onto the hard shoulder unhurt before sparks ignited the engine and spread through the cab and gutted five of the cars.

More than 40 calls were made to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade's switchboard by concerned motorists and the motorway was closed for longer than an hour while it was cleared.