An expectant mother's emergency dash to hospital resulted in her baby being dramatically born on a petrol station forecourt.
Rebecca Turpin, 38, went into labour at her Waltham Abbey home on Monday, but paramedics were so concerned about the baby's heart rate and her blood pressure that she was rushed to hospital immediately.
However, despite high speeds travelling with a rapid response vehicle, the ambulance could not make it to Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital in time and was forced to pull over at Thornwood Fuels petrol station in High Road, Epping.
Rebecca's partner Alex Batts, who was in the ambulance, described the drama unfold.
"His head came out and it went from red, to blue, to purple and he was not making any noise," the 40-year-old said.
Proud parents Rebecca Turpin and Alex Batts with theu new son and daughter Emily
“I did not want to panic Rebecca, but then when they pulled him through he immediately started crying.
“I thought I was looking at a stillborn baby for a moment.
“You thought you were going home with a baby, but then you think – what if I actually go home with less people?”
Petrol station staff and customers looked on anxiously as the baby was delivered.
Despite the concerns of the medical staff, the baby arrived safely.
Garage worker Hossain Saifuddin said: “We were really happy, everyone was cheering.”
After the drama of the birth, the couple say they are now happily adjusting to life with two children.
Mr Batts said: “People do things you think you are never going to see in your life and then it happens right in front of you and you just have to step up to the plate - and to hope.
“It was a crazy day, so surreal and we are just so relieved now.”
“It was a complete emotional rollercoaster, from despair to happiness, to panic when we were in the ambulance."
Miss Turpin was full of praise for the medical staff who came to her aid.
“I could not have done it without any of them being here, they were amazing," she said.
“I am just so thankful and incredibly grateful.”
The new baby is yet to be named.
Garage worker Hossain Saifuddin said celebrated with customers when he heard the good news
The couple's daughter Emily getting to know her new brother
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here