Mexborough boy (8) saves man's life in blaze

A CHILD who raised the alarm when he spotted a house fire has been hailed a hero for saving a man’s life.

Eight-year-old Joshua Lees-Steele, from Mexborough, was playing in his back garden when he spotted flames shooting from the window of his neighbour’s home.

He ran inside to tell his mum Nicola to dial 999 and firefighters from Mexborough fire station were able to save the man from the flames.

Crew manager Sean Strachan, who was at the scene, said: “This young boy's actions undoubtedly saved this man's life.

“He remembered the advice given to him and raised the alarm at the first signs of fire. Joshua was quite simply brilliant and by acting so quickly, saved vital minutes which in incidents like this are quite simply the difference between life and death.”

The incident happened at around 4.30pm last Friday at the property on Arnold Crescent.

Firefighters believe that the occupant had fallen asleep, leaving a chip pan on the hob.