Rescuer describes how 'impromptu team' pulled man from a submerged car in Fenland ditch

A driver was pulled from his submerged car by a group of heroes who jumped into a water-filled ditch to reach him.

The man was trapped in the water-filled overturned car after it left the A1101 Sutton Road, Wisbech on Monday afternoon.

In a Facebook post made in response to an appeal for information on those involved in the rescue, one of the heroes described what happened.

He said: "I was first on the scene having heard the crash from my garden, the second chap, an Eastern European, who was following the man's car was right behind me.

"We both jumped in the water having climbed over his car but were unable to open the door. Three others joined us in the water very quickly and we managed to roll the car over slightly to open one of the rear doors and drag the man out and then up onto the roadside.

"The inside of the car was full of water. The water in the ditch was deep enough for just the four wheels and underside of the car to be seen.

"A very, very lucky gent, and yes, the water was a tad cold. As an impromptu team we all worked well together, someone roadside had called the emergency services, traffic wardens (without lollipops just hi-vis jackets) directing traffic either side of the incident, blankets and jackets were found in short order to keep him warm whilst awaiting the ambulance and he even got to hold onto a young girls teddy for comfort."

The driver's partner also posted to the page and said: "Thank you so much, he's home now, he said thank you, you saved his life, and to the woman holding his hand thank you for being there. He would like to know all the names so he can give his thanks to them personally and to all the others there in his need."

Fenland police also attended the single vehicle accident and posted images of the man's submerged car.