A driver from Eastbourne was one of two men who risked their lives in a vain bid to pull a critically-injured man from his blazing car, an inquest heard.

Colin Caufield, 36, a mechanic and customer services manager, was found in the wreckage of his white Vauxhall Astra at about 5.30pm on September 8.

Witnesses had seen his car being driven erratically at high speed along the A283 near Ham Farm, between Steyning and Washington.

Graham Lewis, of Mill Road, Steyning, and his wife Helen saw Mr Caufield's car leave the road, crash into a tree and bounce back on to the road.

Mr Lewis said: "Men ran over to the car and were endeavouring to get the driver out. They were unsuccessful and there was a small fire starting.

He said police arrived by helicopter and put out the flames.

The Worthing inquest heard the men who tried to save Mr Caufield were Brian Mealing and Louis Rix-Martin.

Mr Mealing, of Belmore Road, Eastbourne, said: "The driver was slouched over. I noticed a fire starting and ran towards coming traffic shouting for a fire extinguisher. Someone handed me one. Flames were coming out the bonnet.

"I put the fire out but it re-ignited and the flames went up on the roof. As I tried to put the flames out, I noticed the driver cough.

"I tried to open the door but I could not. Someone reached from behind me and tried to help me get it open but the steering wheel was in his rib cage and the flames were catching hold.

"We tried to pull him out but he was too wedged in. I realised it was not going to happened and we had to walk away."

Mr Rix-Martin, from Brighton, said he attempted to put out the fire with a blanket.

Coroner Martin Milward said: "Both Mr Rix-Martin and Mr Mealing very bravely attempted to rescue him. Both should be given great credit for the efforts they made."

Pathologist Dr Keith Roberts said it could not be ascertained whether Mr Caufield's severe heart condition or crash injuries had caused his death.

But Mr Milward said there was no proof to say Mr Caufield, of Steep Lane, Findon, had died from his heart condition and recorded a verdict of accidental death.