A relieved mother who narrowly escaped injury when her car burst into flames on the Thanet Way is trying to find a “selfless hero” who dived into the vehicle seconds before it exploded.

Self-employed Evette Carter, 33, was driving along the stretch between Herne Bay and Whitstable with her 12-year-old son, Derrie, when her silver Peugeot 307 went up in flames.

The mum-of-one who managed to stop close to the Whitstable junction, looked back after running clear only to see a passing driver stop his car and sprint towards the burning vehicle.

Mrs Carter said: “He thought there was someone inside and didn’t hesitate for a second to go in. Smoke and flames were billowing out of the car as he checked it out before he heard me shouting at him to get away from it.

“He was so brave and put himself in serious danger trying to see if he could save some strangers.”

Mrs Carter, who lives in Ramsgate, called the fire service immediately, but was unable to speak to the other driver before he left.

The incident happened last Wednesday afternoon.

She added: “I did not get to thank him properly. He must have been in a rush because he left quite promptly, but he was absolutely amazing.

“A few seconds after he was clear it exploded and the front of the car blew outwards.

“He was a hero – it was a heroic effort and completely selfless.”

Mrs Carter, who volunteers for the Cats in Crisis charity and works as a PA, launched an appeal on Facebook to find the good samaritan.

She added: “There was no warning about the fire.

“A few people slowed down and stopped to check we were OK, but there was only one who really put themselves in danger.

“He was just an ordinary guy and deserves a proper thank you.”

• Do you know the hero? Call the newsdesk on 01227 475985.