A WOMAN who was badly injured after shielding a toddler from a car has been nominated for a bravery award.

Courageous family friend Thu Thi Tran, of Manchester Road, Astley, jumped in front of the car and pulled three years-old boy Hai Anh Nayam clear of danger last Thursday night.

Mrs Tran was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she received 32 stitches to a severe cut to her face.

Mrs Tran, 45, who came to Astley nine years ago from Vietnam, was working in her takeaway shop when little Hai, who was visiting, ran out in to busy Manchester Road.

She rushed out and grabbed the toddler, who was uninjured, but fell in to the path of the oncoming car.

Hai's brother, Viet, 19, of West Gorton, Manchester, said: "She saved him and ended up getting hit herself.

"We are very grateful."

Close family friend of Mrs Tran, Sharon Slater, said the plucky woman had been nominated for a bravery award from the police.

She added: "Mrs Tran says she has been very lucky but doesn't see herself as a hero."

Ch Inspector Brian Wroe said: "This was an incredibly selfless and brave act which I'm sure may well have saved the child's life."

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