Mystery surrounds morning fire

A WINSFORD youth is critical in intensive care with severe burns after a mystery car fire in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The fire, involving four saloon cars, happened at the used car lot next to JB Components, on Wharton Road.

Police said two young men suffered burns - one was 16 years old and the other was aged 17.

The older youth saved his friend's life when he pulled him from the fire and removed his jacket, which was on fire. He suffered burns to his hands as a result.

The 17-year-old was later found at his home address, while Winsford Fire Brigade found the younger victim walking along Wharton Road, after being alerted by a member of the public. Leading Firefighter Andy Banks said: "One of the men went after him and walked him back to the fire engine and we requested an ambulance straight away.

"He was badly burnt and clearly in shock, but he was still stood up and talking."

The youth was taken to a specialist burns unit at Whiston Hospital in Merseyside. His condition is described as 'critical.'

A police spokesman said: "We are now investigating the fire, but we do not believe the cause to be suspicious."

All four cars were completely destroyed as a result of the blaze which took 20 minutes to contain.