A HERO neighbour has described racing out into the street in his underwear to save a woman who had been set on fire by her former partner.

Father-of-one Andrew Courtney, 34, has been given a police bravery award for smothering his neighbour with a blanket after she emerged from her house in a ball of flames in Drayman’s Walk, Abingdon, last December.

Coral Newman, 40, had been set on fire by Mark Bray, 29, who was last month jailed for life after being found guilty of attempted murder.

Landscape gardener Mr Courtney ran into the street wearing just his underwear and clutching a blanket he had dipped in washing-up water.

He said: “Coral was on all fours and I threw the blanket over her back. She looked at me and said ‘he’s done it, he’s killed me’. I said ‘you’re going to be OK’.

“The blanket put out the flames on her back then she turned over and flames erupted from her chest, so I moved the blanket.

“Then her legs were on fire so I moved the blanket again, then another neighbour came out and poured water over her.

“I stood back and realised it wasn’t an accident.

“At that point I was scared for my own family and house.”

Neighbour Charlene Daniels was also praised by police for pouring water over the injured woman.

And Chief Superintendent’s Commendations were presented to Pc Gareth Clarke, 31, and Pc Robert Mann, 28, who arrived at the scene and went into Ms Newman’s burning house.

Mr Courtney said: “I’ve never ever seen a human being in that state and I hope I never do again.

“It’s possibly the worst thing you could imagine.

“The worst thing was the smell. I could smell burning flesh on my clothes. All I wanted was for her to survive. Something just took hold of me.

“I don’t think I did anything special but I’m pleased I could help and did something good.”

Chief Supt Andy Boyd, the police commander in the Vale of White Horse, handed Mr Courtney his award and praised his courage during the ceremony, held at Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington last week.

Ms Newman, a mother-of-three, survived, but suffered 60 per cent burns and will be disfigured for life after the attack on December 23.

Bray, who poured petrol over her before setting her on fire with a cigarette lighter, had been drinking heavily and had taken cocaine before the attack.

He must serve at least seven years behind bars before he can be considered for parole.