A "Good Samaritan" risked his life to rescue a toddler from a burning car.

The man, whose identity is unknown, saved the life of a three-year-old boy who was injured in a fatal road traffic collision.

Two vehicles were involved in the head-on crash just after 5.30pm last night in the Bedfordshire village of Heath and Reach.

The driver of a dark blue Vauxhall Astra was pronounced dead at the scene while the toddler, who was a passenger in the same car, was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

The driver of the other vehicle, a white Volkswagen van, was seriously injured and was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, Bedfordshire Police said.

A spokeswoman said: "The 'Good Samaritan' was in another car and may have witnessed the collision before risking his own life to save the young boy from the burning Astra.

"Once free of the wreckage, he passed the toddler to a woman who also witnessed the incident and happened to be an off-duty nurse, before continuing on his way without leaving any contact details."

The force is appealing for him to contact them.

He is described only as an "older" man.

Pc Andy Carter, from the collision investigation unit, said: "The act of bravery shown by this man is astonishing.

"The fact that he then carried on his way without a thought for himself is even more staggering.