An off-duty police special constable has been praised as a "true hero", after running towards a blazing fire on the M20 last Friday.

Michael, an inspector for the Met's Special Constabulary, helped to bring everyone to safety at the scene of the fire, while also contacting the emergency services.

A post on the Met Police's Facebook page said how Michael continued to deliver updates from the scene and cooperated with Kent's Fire and Rescue upon its arrival.

Michael has volunteered for the Met's Special Constabulary since 2011, and also works as a specialist paramedic.

The swift response from all involved dampened the fire rapidly, with no injuries reported.

The actions taken by the off-duty officer seemed to have struck a chord with the community.

One Facebook user, Andreea Ungureanu, said: "You are a true hero."

Another user, Lisa Ditch, added: "What a very brave man.

"Just incredible.

"Well done to that Officer - so pleased there were no injuries."

The fire broke out at around 1.45pm on January 5 between Junction 1 for the M25 and Junction 2 for the A20.

Local fire and rescue teams equipped with breathing equipment attended the scene.

Traffic was halted temporarily in both directions due to the crane lorry's fire, with drivers warned that they could face delays of up to half an hour.

Three fire engines from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended to the incident in total.