A mum has described the horrifying moment her toddler screamed in agony when cigarette ash flew through her car window and burnt her stomach and face.

Lana Blackburn, 22, thought daughter Annalise Hamilton was dying when she emitted terrifying cries during the journey from Witham to Braintree.

A motorist in front of her had flicked burning ash from their car window, and it landed on her two-year-old.

Miss Blackburn, of Valentine Way, Silver End, immediately pulled over but did not realise what was wrong until she smelt burning and noticed Annalise’s jacket was on fire.

After stripping her clothes off, she discovered that her daughter’s stomach had been burnt by flying cigarette ash.

She said: “It was the most horrendous experience I have ever gone through."

For the full story, see this week's Witham Times.