CRASH victim Gudit Yousefi was rescued from the wreckage of a van by a troop of combat-clad American naval officers but later had to have his arm amputated.

The officers, who were travelling behind the van when it crashed on the A404 Marlow bypass, near High Wycombe, pitched in and pulled out 21-year-old Mr Yousefi along with the driver and another passenger.

They then helped police and firefighters carry out a search of the area following the crash that took place at 11.25pm on Sunday.

Rescuers hoped to find Mr Yousefi's fingers, which had been severed in the accident.

PC Andy Wayland, based at Amersham Traffic, described the scene: "The road had to be closed for three hours while members of the fire brigade, police and even police dogs were searching around for fingers on the floor.

"It turned out that the arm had been so badly damaged that it had to be amputated, which was unfortunate."

However, PC Wayland said it was lucky that the American officers had stepped in and hauled the driver and passengers out.

He said: "The man must have wondered what was happening to him as he was surrounded by these guys in combat gear but at least he could be treated quickly."