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Retired fire-fighter cheated death by seconds

Alex Davidson with his Dutton Phaeton 1988 which went on fire
Alex Davidson with his Dutton Phaeton 1988 which went on fire

A retired fire-fighter today (Tuesday August 18) told how he cheated death by seconds after his kit car burst into flames on a busy street.

Alex Davidson, had been travelling home from buying plants when he noticed smoke coming from the bonnet of his beloved Dutton Phaeton.

Within seconds of diving out of the vehicle it disappeared under smoke and flames, leaving him and onlookers terrified.

Alex, who has owned the car for over ten years, said: “I had just filled it up with petrol and was driving back when I heard a loud bang.

“When I saw the smoke, I felt it was time to pull over.

“I’m lucky that I did because only seconds after I got out the car it was on fire.

“I don’t think people could believe what they were seeing, everyone got their phones out and took pictures. I’ve never had my picture taken so much before.

“I was a fireman for a long time so was used to this sort of thing but I’m just gutted that it has gone. I’m going to be looking forlornly at the empty space it has left in the garage.”

“My grandson loved the car and really wanted to drive it someday so I’m sure he’s going to be lobbying for me to get a new one.”

The vehicle was a classic black two-seater sports car, similar in design to the Lotus Seven which had mainly been used for short runs around the local area.

Amjad Naeem, an employee at the nearby Broughton Convenience Store, said the incident had been “scary”.

He said: “There was smoke and flames everywhere, it was really scary.

“I could see the man that jumped out of the car shaking. Everyone was just running about in panic, we didn’t know what to do.”

 

Smoke from the incident could be seen from across the city.

A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received the first call at 4.22pm and then received multiple calls relating to the same incident.

“Crews attended and one high pressure hose reel and breathing apparatus was used.

Phaetons, which trade today for around £3,000, were built in Sussex between 1970 and 1989