Two rescued from arson blaze

TWO people thought to be in their thirties were rescued from a flat filled with deadly smoke after an arson attack.

Firebugs started a blaze outside the property in Raleigh Close, Coldhurst, at 3.30am today. It quickly spread, trapping a man and woman inside.

Fire-fighters climbed through a first-floor window to rescue the couple while colleagues tackled the blaze.

They were able to put out the fire and clear the smoke so that the occupants could walk out through the front door, rather than be helped down a ladder.

They were treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital. They had been asleep but were alerted by a smoke alarm.

A joint fire and police investigation has now been launched and the case could be treated as arson with intent to endanger life.

Fire crews from Oldham and Chadderton were hailed heroes for the rescue. Bryn Johns, Garry Freeman, Sam Merriott and John Morris were the four who risked their lives to enter the building.

Chadderton watch commander Reg Haye said: “We’re not sure what was set alight outside the front door but it burnt through and smoke-logged the first- floor flat inside, trapping two people. We pitched a ladder to the rear of the property and two fire-fighters entered through a window to calm them down and get them out.

“But another crew managed to put the fire out in the meantime, so we were able to walk them out the front door in the end.

“It was deemed not a risk to vent the property with them in it and bring them out without scrambling down a ladder.”

He praised his fire-fighters, saying: “There’s no hesitation from the fire-fighters to go in and risk themselves to rescue people — but that’s what we get paid to do. Fire-fighters have always risked their lives to save other people.”