by Joe Walker

joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man was dragged through a smashed window in a dramatic early-morning rescue today after his house went up in flames.

Fire crews raced to Mill Lane in Harbledown at 7.10am to reports a blaze was ripping through the top floor of a terraced house.

The man – believed to be in his 20s – was stuck in the burning building so firefighters attempted to kick down the front door.

When that failed they smashed a living room window and pulled him to safety.

Crews then started tackling the fire while the man was taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated over fears the flames could spread, but the blaze was brought under control within 15 minutes.

One neighbour was taken to hospital after suffering an isolated illness and another was looked after by friends.

The fire – which gutted the entire top floor of the house and the roof - started in an upstairs bedroom.

It is not yet known what caused the blaze, but police and fire service investigators were on the scene by 11am.

Incident commander Martin Skeet said: “We were told there were persons reported in the house so attempted to break down the front door.

“It proved difficult because it was one of those UPVC, burglar-proof doors, but then suddenly the man appeared at the front window.

“We smashed the window and dragged him out. He didn’t suffer any significant injuries, but was treated for smoke inhalation. He’s a lucky boy.”