Hero helps Worthing family flee Friday 13th blaze

Blaze victim Mrs Arnold told her Herald her family owed their lives to former firefighter Warren Hill, who spotted the blaze had taken hold in roof space.

After seeing smoke pouring from the roof of the house in Beaumont Road, Mr Hill, 38, of Westcourt Road, Worthing, banged on the front door and helped the family escape to safety.

He alerted the fire brigade and also told people to leave their neighbouring homes, urging them to move cars to allow easier access for fire engines.

Mrs Arnold said: "He is just my hero, it is as simple as that.

"The kids were in bed, I was getting ready for work.

"Had it not been for him hammering on the door, God knows what would have happened.

"We owe him our lives really.

"He is just lovely '“ a really, really lovely guy."

Mr Hill said his firefighter training had aided his quick-thinking, but that his hobby had also played a vital role in the rescue.

He explained: "I have been doing martial arts for the last year and it has made me aware of all my surroundings.

"I have always kept an eye out for things, but with martial arts, my awareness has become very sharp."

For more on this story, see the Worthing Herald.