A COUPLE have thanked a mystery motorist who pulled over to tell them to get out of their house because their garage was on fire.

Tanya and Dean Ryan were asleep at their home in Onslow Crescent, Colchester, when they were woken up by a knock at the door at 5.30am yesterday.

The eagle-eyed passerby had noticed smoke and flames coming from the garage which is adjoined to the house.

The couple, who have two daughters aged 12 and 14, then got out of their home as quickly as possible.

Mr Ryan said: “He banged on the front door and told us what had happened.

“Obviously he did not want to hang around because the door is right next to the garage but he told us to get everyone out.

“He was in a big car which looked like a Range Rover or something but with the time of the morning and hearing the garage was on fire, I don’t know if I’ve ever met him before or not.

“He deserves a massive thank you.”

Mrs Ryan said: “Another of our neighbours heard a bang and was ringing us on the phone trying to warn us what had happened.

“We just woke up our daughters and grabbed the dogs and got out as soon as we could.

“Our neighbour took in the girls and we were just stood on the pavement watching it burn.”

Two fire crews arrived on the scene and managed to contain fire to the garage, and although most of the contents had been destroyed, no flames spread to the house.

Mr Ryan added: “The garage should back directly onto the house but a few years ago we took a bit out of the building to put in a downstairs toilet and added a fire wall.

“It might have helped us out.

“The fire brigade were absolutely amazing, you never know when you will need them.

“We’ve lost most of what was in the garage but the house is mostly fine.

“There is a chemically smell, but not even any smoke damage.”

The couple were unable to use electrical or gas appliances yesterday but were being helped by their neighbours.

Mrs Ryan, who has lived in the road for more than 20 years, said: “There are amazing people here who have been helping us out.”

It is believed the fire was started accidentally by a compressor.