3:50pm Tuesday 15th July 2008
By Gina Marden
A HEROIC motorist who pulled a young mum and girl from the burning wreckage of their car has been honoured.
Yesterday, Paul Coulson received a high commendation for his bravery from Essex Police's chief constable, Roger Baker.
Paul, 39, from Medlar Road, Grays, was driving along the A1089 Tilbury Dock Approach Road on Christmas Day in 2006 when he spotted a car on fire in a hedge.
Jamie Lee Martin, 25, who was on her way home from a Christmas meal with her parents, had ploughed into a tree in her blue Renault Clio.
The car burst into flames, leaving the young mum severely injured and her seven-year-old daughter Bobbie Lee trapped inside.
Mr Coulson said at the time: "Another car stopped behind mine and that's when I heard the young girl screaming.
"I grabbed hold of her and passed her to safety.
"I couldn't get close to Jamie-Lee, so I dragged her away by her ankles."
Unfortunately, Miss Martin of Harrisons Wharf, Purfleet, died of her injuries. However, police said Mr Coulson, a reluctant hero, undoubtedly saved her young daughter's life and he was commended at a ceremony at Essex Police's Chelmsford headquarters.
Insp Alan Jelley, formerly of the Laindon road policing unit who is now based at Rayleigh, paid tribute. He said: "Mr Coulson happened to pass by a short while after the crash, noticing a fire in the roadside hedge.
"Many drivers would have driven by, but Mr Coulson decided to stop.
"He managed to gain access to the car and pull the little girl from the flaming wreckage and then returned to the car to pull Jamie Lee away from the fire by her ankles as the heat was so intense.
"He played down his actions when he spoke with police officers afterwards.
"But to face such a fierce fire and rescue the little girl, and then go back to rescue the mother, was outstanding.
"I cannot think of someone more worthy than Mr Coulson to receive a bravery award."
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