A MODEST hero prevented a major blast and fire after a burning car with more than 100 litres of petrol in the boot was dumped in front of his house.

Police, who cordoned off Mitchell Avenue in Chatham, believe the car was deliberately set alight and have praised the man's quick thinking in trying to put out the flames and calling the emergency services.

The man, who didn't wish to be named, investigated the vehicle when three men slammed the doors and ran off. He immediately called the fire brigade and even tried to put out the flames with his garden hose.

The car was parked near to a family with three children – the house would almost certainly have caught fire if the car had exploded.

The man said: “If that car had exploded I wouldn’t be here talking to you now. There would have been a massive fire which would almost certainly have set nearby houses alight and blown our windows in. I think we’re lucky to be alive.”

Fire officers arrived within five minutes on Saturday night and doused the flames. When forced open the boot, they found find five large containers of petrol.

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to telephone Kent Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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