On Monday his wife, Rachel Perry, described the incident as an “utter miracle” and addressed “rumours” that her husband locked Swealmeen in the car, in order to prevent further casualties.

“I would just like to thank each and every one of you who have messaged asking how David is,” Mrs Perry wrote on Facebook. 

“He is doing okay but is extremely sore and just trying to process what’s happened.

“There are a lot of rumours flying around about him being a hero and locking the passenger inside the car.

“The truth of the matter is, he is without doubt lucky to be alive.

“The explosion happened whilst he was in the car and how he managed to escape is an utter miracle. He certainly had some guardian angels looking over him.

“I would like to thank the amazing staff, doctors and nurses at the hospital, you were all amazing and also the police officers and detectives who have been looking after us. We’re so thankful.”

‘Absolute hero’

Mr Perry, who works as a private hire taxi driver for a number of local firms, including Delta Taxis, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. 

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, led tributes to Mr Perry, praising his “incredible presence of mind and bravery”.

Mr Perry’s colleagues, who have set up a fundraiser online and raised thousands of pounds for his family, said the taxi driver saved “so many lives today…including babies coming into this world”.

Jenny Phillips, organiser of the campaign, said: “David doesn’t work for me but he is still part of a very big taxi family.

“After David arrived at the hospital he noticed something not right about him [the passenger].

“David remembers a bang then going unconscious then managing to escape the car…before it went into flames. 

“David saved so many lives today at the risk of his own life, including babies coming into this world. David saved his city.

“David has injuries and burns and will obviously have further anxiety and trust issues to ever be able to carry out what he loved doing the most.”

Other tributes poured in on social media, with locals praising him as an “absolute hero” and his “quick thinking” during the incident. 

Joanne Anderson, Liverpool Mayor, said he “managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster”.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The taxi driver locked the doors – our thanks go to him.”