A driver risked spinal injuries when he forbid firefighters from cutting the roof off his car after he crashed in Eastern Avenue, a crew member said.

The man was trapped in his car after the collision at the A12’s junction with Barley Lane, in Goodmayes, at around 2.30pm.

Firefighters from Dagenham station attended the scene to remove the roof at paramedics advice.

But a firefighter said: “We didn’t get to work because the occupant didn’t want the roof cut off his car.

“Our protocol is to cut the roof off to prevent spinal injuries but he signed a waiver to say no.

“The occupant got out but the ambulance staff wanted the roof cut off.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said no-one involved in the crash had life-threatening injuries.