A SOLICITOR, who was just minutes from death, says he will indebted forever to the friend who pulled him from a burning car.

Ishtiaq Ahmed was dragged out of the burning BMW by garage owner Jawaid Ahktar.

Mr Ahktar leapt into action as soon as he saw the blazing car — not knowing it was his friend inside.

He smashed one of the car’s windows with an exhaust pipe so he could pull Mr Ahmed to safety.

Mr Ahktar said: “I went inside the car and managed to undo the seat belt and then I grabbed him and dragged him out.

“I did not know who it was when I rescued him, I was just there so I helped. But then when we got him out I realised it was Ishtiaq, who I have known for a long time. I am glad he is ok.”

Mr Ahmed was driving home along Thynne Street near the town centre when the incident happened.

The 39-year-old from Great Lever, said: “I am indebted to Jawaid. He saved my life and he was brave to save me from the burning car.

“I lost consciousness because of the smoke, but came round once I got fresh air. If it had been another 30 seconds I could have been killed.”

At first, it was suspected Mr Ahmed, who works at AGH Solicitors in Bolton, had suffered a seizure.

But he claims it was an electrical fault with the car, a BMW, which he had only bought three weeks ago.

He says he smelled fumes, which he thought were coming from one of the garages, but then the car suddenly filled with smoke.

Mr Ahmed said: “This was beginning to affect my consciousness and I began to naturally have a panic attack. Everything happened so quickly.

“My main concern was to try to bring the car to a halt. By the time I could do this I hade travelled another 50 to 60 yards and although I managed to stop the car it had also caused a slight collision with a parked car. My car was ablaze by this time.”

Mr Ahmed was discharged from hospital on Monday night, and is now recovering at home.

Mr Ahmed said the car was still in its warranty and he is now trying to find out what caused the electrical fault.