UPDATE: Motorcyclist who died in Watling Street crash was Joseph Paul

A man from Watford pulled two people away from burning vehicles that were involved in a crash in Radlett last night.

The crash took place close to North Medburn Farm on Watling Street in Elstree at around 6.50pm.

A red Honda motorcycle collided with a black Mercedes SLK and the motorcyclist, a 27-year-old man from London died at the scene.

The driver of the Mercedes, a woman in her late 20s from Radlett, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. She is still in a critical condition.

A 33-year-old man from Watford pulled the motorcyclist and driver of the car away from the burning vehicles. He is currently in hospital in a stable condition.

Carl Valaass, 17, was driving along Watling Street when the incident happened.

He said: “I looked up further ahead as I heard a few people screaming and a loud noise, and the car just exploded in front of me. Although I didn’t see the actual collision, the car just seemed to detonate as they collided.

“People were jumping out their cars to help and I saw a man go towards the car and pull the driver out even though it was already on fire.”

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue were called to the scene as the vehicles caught alight following the collision.

Road closures were put in place on Watling Street at the junction with Butterfly Lane and at the Wagon and Horses Public House while emergency services attended to the scene and the police Road Crash Investigation Team made their enquiries. They remained in place for approximately six hours.

Investigating officer, PC Gareth Rees from the Road Crash Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who passed away.

"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the events leading up to the collision, or who saw the collision take place, to contact police as soon as possible. Any information you provide could significantly help with our enquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Rees by calling the non-emergency number 101.