A 15-YEAR-OLD student emerged unscathed from a near-death experience and rescued a crash victim from a car which almost ran him over – before hopping on the school bus.

Joseph Haddad who attends St Ambrose College, in Altrincham, has won a police award for bravery and citizenship after springing into action when a car almost smashed into him.

The GCSE student was stood at a bus stop in Cheadle Hulme when disaster struck on the morning of May 19.

He had been ambling about, waiting for his school bus, when a car mounted the pavement and crashed into the bus stop, demolishing the sign he was standing at seconds earlier.

Despite being rocked by the close call, Joseph scrambled to the car, which had flipped upside down.

“I was shaken but I immediately went to see if the driver was alright,” he said. “Luckily there was only one person inside the car and though she was startled, she had only minor cuts and bruises. I helped her out of the upturned car and checked her over and called the ambulance service.

“It all happened in a blur really, and lots of people soon came rushing over to help, but before the police came my bus arrived and I went to school. I then was a little surprised during the morning that the police came down to take a witness statement.”

PC Simon Toft, who, with Special Constable Andrew Rose, was the first police officer on the scene, said: “When we got there I was amazed no one had been seriously hurt. The road sign had been demolished and there was a lot of damage. Those people on the spot praised Joseph for his quick thinking and told me what he had done and I have to say he did exactly the right thing and very quickly.

“When I went to interview him at St. Ambrose, I was very impressed by his statement and have to say in 10 years of policing I have not come across a more impressive young man, which was why I recommended him for a commendation.”

Joseph, who wants to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A-level, said: “I am a bit young to really consider what might have happened but it was a near death experience. I was standing just where the car hit literally seconds before hand. All I would say is that everyone should cherish their lives and be thankful.”

He added: “I am honoured to receive this award and am thankful to the police but I am a surprised as I just did what was needed at the time and didn't really think too much about it.”

No one was injured in the accident and no further action has been taken.