This footage shot from an arriving fire engine shows a brave rookie cop running towards a burning car to pull the unconscious driver to safety before the vehicle burns to a crisp.

The motorist’s shoes had reportedly already melted to the car by the time he was rescued.

The incident took place on Highway 101 in the city of San Jose, which is located in the western US state of California, when the rookie police officer was called to the scene of a burning car on the side of the motorway on Sunday (26th September).

The footage, which was shot from inside a fire engine arriving on the scene of the incident, shows a police officer running towards the burning car and looking inside before he realises that there is an unconscious person sitting in the driver’s seat.

Without a second thought for his own safety, he pulls the unconscious motorist from the burning vehicle and drags them to safety.

The heroic police officer has been named by ABC7News as San Jose police officer Pedro Garcia.

He is quoted as saying: “I just believe I was in the right place at the right time.”

He added: “I know any other of my partners or anyone in the department would’ve done the same exact thing. Speaking to the fire department, they said if I would not have done that, it could’ve been life threatening for him.”

The San Jose Police Department Chief, Anthony Mata, is also quoted as saying: “He went above and beyond yesterday.”

The motorist’s shoes had reportedly already melted to the car by the time he was rescued.

Subsequent footage shows firefighters putting out the blaze, which tore through the vehicle, leaving nothing but a charred wreck.

The footage was shared online by San Jose Police Department with the message: “Bravery under fire. Yesterday, rookie officer Pedro Garcia came upon a collision on Hwy 101 with one vehicle engulfed in flames and the driver still inside.” (sic)

They added: “Without hesitation, and even with fire department personnel moments away, the officer did not hesitate to risk his life and pull the man from the burning car. In this job, seconds count and, combined with bravery, can save lives.”

The San Jose Fire Department also posted the footage on their Instagram account and captioned it: “Engine & Truck 16 responded to a vehicle accident with reports of vehicle on fire and unknown if anyone trapped.

“As we arrived on scene we witnessed quick reaction and bravery by a SJPD officer pulling out a trapped victim from the fire. Pt. Was treated and transported. SJPD officer did not receive any injuries.” (sic)