Those who helped pull people from the carnage on the M5 when multiple vehicles crashed, and lives were lost, have been prasied by a fire chief for their bravery.

The fire service has praised all who helped pull people from last Friday’s multi-car pile-up on the M5.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service assistant chief fire officer Pete Smith said it was thanks to the ‘many acts of bravery’ by members of the public, the emergency services and voluntary agencies, that lives were saved.

Mr Smith said of the crash that claimed seven lives and injured more than 50 others: “Without these act of courage, undertaken in these appalling conditions, more people would have unquestionably lost their lives. Whilst recognising the incredible work carried out on the night, it would not be possible at this stage to single out individual acts of courage.

“Firefighters and control operators did everything they could in extremely distressing circumstances to save lives.

“Firefighters fully used their skills and training to carry out extraordinary rescues from vehicles whilst working amongst dreadful circumstances.”

The assistant chief fire officer said the service was now in a process of gathering information to chart the sequence of events from the incident.

He said as part of that process, selfless acts of courage and heroism carried out by staff, going above and beyond the call of duty, would be recognised.

He said fire service personnel involved in the rescue mission would be offered counselling.