Olympic great Linford Christie sprinted into action to assist firefighters from Hillingdon following a collision on the A40.

The former 100m champion was quick off the blocks after two cars collided on Thursday, May 26 in Denham.

Witnesses who dialled 999 were unable to give a precise location, but the 1992 gold medallist had been passing and was able to direct a crew from Hillingdon fire station when they approached.

Blue watch manager Jonathan Kerslake, from London Fire Brigade, praised the athlete for helping firefighters find the scene and provide assistance as quickly as possible.

"Linford Christie had been passing by when it happened and had pulled over to help. He waved us to the correct location as the address on the call slip was vague, so it saved us valuable time in arriving," he said.

"Afterwards he invited us to visit him at the track where he is training Olympic hopefuls. He was unbelievably nice and giving with his time."

Mr Kerslake added that the incident highlighted the importance of providing the most accurate information possible when calling the emergency services.

Two people were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service following the collision on the A40 eastbound slip road in Denham, shortly before 10.30am.

One engine from Hillingdon fire station and one from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue service attended the incident.

On Monday (May 30), four people were taken to hospital after a car overturned on the A40 in Ickenham.

On May 24, 40 people fled a block of burning flats in West Drayton.