by Lynn Cox

EXCLUSIVE

A family have spoken of their miraculous escape when their car burst into flames in Rochester.

The Goodes, from Cliffe, were able to get out of the Vauxhall Vectra just seconds before it was engulfed by fire.

Stephanie and Ben Goode and their daughters Emilia, seven, and five-year-old Maddie had been visiting friends in The Esplanade on Sunday afternoon.

Ben pulled over when he spotted smoke coming out of the glove box and investigated.

Stephanie, 32, of Rookery Crescent, said: "The girls and I got out first and Ben was trying to find out where the smoke was coming from as we moved further away - the girls were very upset.

"Then flames started coming out of the footwell and Ben was trying to stamp them out.

"Before we knew it the whole car had gone up in flames - it all happened so fast."

Firefighters from Strood station were called to put out the blazing vehicle at about 1.45pm.

The crew had extinguished the fire by about 2pm and stayed at the scene to ensure it did not reignite.

Stephanie added: "It was quite a fire. The firefighters were there within minutes and we are all fine, no one was injured.

"We had not had the car long and it was probably the best one we'd had.

"I wasn't able to get to work the next day, but friends have been picking up the girls for school.

"Maddie got upset the other night and cried about the car, but we all got out and are fine - that's the main thing."

These dramatic pictures were taken by a shocked passer-by.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: "The driver pulled over and in less than a minute it was alight.

"Gee, did it take hold quickly. The fire service were on the scene within three or four minutes."