A community worker was today hailed a hero after he pulled two babies from a crashed car seconds before it turned into a fireball.

Nazakat Al Jabber first helped the children's mothers Donna Hodgson, 20, and Lisa Hodgson, 18, out of their Renault car after it was in an accident with a lorry in Undercliffe, Bradford.

Then he twice returned to the wreckage to rescue six-month-old Jacob and Benjamin, aged one, who were still strapped in the back seat, as the terrified mums begged for someone to save their babies.

Seconds after he carried the children to safety, the car burst into flames as petrol poured from the ruptured tank.

Today the children's grandmother Susan Dobson, of Ravenscliffe Avenue, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, paid a tearful tribute to Mr Al Jabber, 30, a day care assistant.

"I could have lost four members of my family in one day. I still can't believe this has happened," she said.

"He's an angel in disguise. I truly believe someone was watching them and protecting them. I can't thank him enough."

Sub officer Martin Monaghan, of Idle fire station, who was called to yesterday's crash, said: "The man who got them out did a very good job. He's a hero."

"When we got there the car was on fire and everyone was out of the car. The car was gutted and who knows what might have happened if they had been in the vehicle when it ignited."

Donna, of Shipley, was driving in Otley Road when the accident occurred at the junction with North Cote Road. Lisa was in the passenger seat.

Mr Al Jabber had been following in a minibus on his way to work at the Karmand Centre in Barkerend Road.

Donna said the crash was a blur and she could not remember getting out of the car.

"I remember him coming to help us. Then I shouted 'please save my baby'. I'm still in shock and just relieved to be alive," she said.

Mr Al Jabber, a father-of-three, said: "I saw the car spinning in the middle of the road.

"I jumped out and helped the two women out. Then I got the boy out, then went back for the baby in his car seat. Thinking back I don't know how I did it. I just reacted.

"The car was in an awful mess and there was petrol pouring out all over the road. I was worried the car would catch fire while they were still in it."

Donna and her baby Jacob, Lisa and her son Ben were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where they were treated for cuts and bruises.

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