Heroes rescue man from inferno

Rescuers dragged an 87-year-old man to safety after smashing their way into his house as it was gutted by flames.

The elderly man was trapped in the blazing house in Cheslyn Hay, unable to open a window to escape.

Up to six people were involved in the rescue attempt, with two eventually smashing a window to drag him through. He was taken by ambulance to Walsall Manor Hospital with breathing difficulties and burns to his face. Plumes of thick black smoke hung over neighbouring streets after the fire took hold.

Cross Street and Low Street were closed for several hours with cars being diverted away from the village centre's one-way system. One of the rescuers, Lance McCarthy, aged 35, of Fairview Close, was driving down Cross Street when he saw the house was on fire.

Shocked villagers said they heard a big bang and then the sound of small explosions and glass smashing.

Fire crews from Cannock and Chase Terrace along with an aerial appliance from Burton upon Trent attended the scene just after 12.10pm. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electric fan heater but investigations are continuing. Dermot Hogan, Lichfield fire station manager, paid tribute to the rescuers. Sgt Matt Walker, of Staffordshire Police, said they could be in line for an award.