A mother has thanked everyone who helped her son after he jumped from his car while driving along the M2.

Melanie Irwin was speaking as her 22-year-old son Daniel recovered in the Royal London Hospital from serious injuries.

Mrs Irwin, of Kingfisher Drive, Iwade, says the family are not sure why Daniel jumped but are speculating a fire may have started in his car.

Motorists were delayed for up to three hours while paramedics and firefighters tended to Daniel after the incident, which happened last Friday at 6pm on the coastbound carriageway between Chatham and Gillingham.

The former Minster College student was airlifted to the Royal London with burns to his arms, legs and back plus cuts to his face and head. Amazingly, he did not break any bones.

For the full story, see this week's Sittingbourne Messenger - available from Friday.