Children saved from minibus fire

Rescuers who helped three children from a burning minibus have been praised for their quick actions.

Firefighters said a driver, his assistant and a passing lorry driver saved the lives of the special needs children.

They helped the youngsters, two of whom were in wheelchairs, from the vehicle after it caught alight on the M20 motorway near Swanley, in Kent.

The minibus had been destroyed by the flames by the time firefighters reached the scene.

Leading firefighter David Roots, of Kent Fire Brigade, said "one or more lives" could have been lost had it not been for the actions of the three people.

He said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that, without the quick actions of the driver, his assistant and the lorry driver, that the safety of these children would have been in jeopardy.

"It was by putting their own safety to one side that the children are safe and well from their ordeal."