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07:00 - 10-May-2008

A MAN from Bransholme who tried to save the life of a fatal car fire victim today spoke of his regret he couldn't do more.

Gary Shaw said he has been left traumatised and unable to sleep following his attempts to save 33-year-old Alan Russell.

Mr Russell and his car were found on fire near a skate park, off Livingstone Road in Hessle, at about 2.30pm on bank holiday Monday.

He died from horrendous injuries shortly after arriving at Hull Royal Infirmary.

The death of Mr Russell, of Walker Street, west Hull, is being investigated by Humberside Police's critical investigation team, based in Beverley.

Mr Shaw said: “I feel so sorry for his family. If I had been there a second earlier, maybe I could have done something more.

“I dared not roll him up in my coat because I didn't know if it was nylon or not, so I just fanned them out.

“I did what in my heart I felt was right – I tried to save his life.

“My wife and I are traumatised. We haven't slept properly yet.

The cause of the fire is still not clear because Mr Russell's silver Vauxhall Astra was so badly burned.

Detectives are said to be keeping an open mind, including the possibility Mr Russell may have intended to take his own life.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.