News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A toddler trapped in a scorching car on a hot summer's day was rescued by a five-year-old hero - dressed as batman.

Real life superhero Zavi Ahmed swooped to the rescue after police were unable to free the trapped tot from the Volkswagen Beetle.

One-year-old Iris Adamski became stuck when it suddenly locked itself with the keys inside while her grandmother was loading the shopping.

Police smashed the rear window but they could not fit inside to open the doors or fetch the keys.

They were stunned when Zavi - dressed as The Caped Crusader - wandered over with his mum and offered to help.

(Image: SWNS)

Zavi, who had begged his mum Emma, 32, to dress up as his favourite superhero that morning crawled in through the window to fetch the keys locked in the car - and saved the day.



Iris's grandfather John Penny, 68, said: "It really was a case of Batman to the rescue."

Mr Penny, a retired communications director, and wife Caroline, 57, were packing the shopping away in the Tesco car park in Uckfield, East Sussex, when the doors mysteriously locked- with Iris fast asleep on the back seat.

They called Sussex Police who tried to break into the cream beetle and eventually resorted to smashing the back window on Tuesday afternoon.

But they were unable to open the door.

It was then that Zavi, who was with two-year-old brother Nadeen dressed as Superman, sprang into action and fearlessly volunteered to squeeze through the tiny gap to retrieve the keys.

Mum-of-two Ms Ahmed, a teacher living in Uckfield, East Sussex, said: "That morning he decided he wanted to be dressed as Batman, I don't know why.

"My friend said he could go to Tesco and be a superhero and that's just what happened.

"We couldn't believe it.

"Of all the days for him to dress up and that happens.

(Image: SWNS)

"This morning he said I've got to dress up as Batman again because I am a superhero."

Mrs Penny, a retired nurse, was looking after Iris while parents Eloise and Luke Adamski, both 35 and of Southwick, West Sussex, were at work.



The grandmother, from nearby Franfield, said: "I had just put the pram away when the door locked.

"I don't know what happened but we couldn't get her out.



"We called the police and they tried everything and eventually smashed the back window.

"But they couldn't reach the door because the hole was quite small.



"We needed to get the keys from the dashboard.



"Then these two little boys turned up - one was dressed as Batman and the other as Superman.



"They had the whole outfits and were so sweet.



(Image: SWNS)

"A policeman put his jumper down on the window to protect from the glass and Batman crawled in to fetch the keys.



"I was so proud.

"He was a true superhero and I'm so grateful to him.



"Iris is so happy to be saved by Batman - if she gets married that will definitely be told at her wedding."

Sussex Police confirmed they were called at 12.15pm on Tuesday and the child was freed 45 minutes later.

Primary school pupil Zavi said: "I always feel like a superhero but that day was special."