A MOTORCYCLIST engulfed in flames after a crash was saved by a man who rushed out of his house armed with a watering can. 

The resident doused the 39-year-old Hove biker in water and gave him first aid until emergency services arrived in the wake of the accident on Sunday.

Firefighters from Uckfield were called to the A272 at the Chailey crossroads at around 9.45am after the biker, the last in line of motorcyclists riding west, left the road on his black KTM Superduke at a bend and overturned into the roadside.

He managed to flee his blazing bike before collapsing on the ground. Paramedics then treated him at the scene before being flown to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, by air ambulance. He is being treated for serious injuries and severe burns.

The road was closed for part of the day while police investigated the scene.

Anyone who saw the crash or has any other information should call 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 489 of June 14.