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The father of an 11-year-old boy who was trapped in a house fire today thanked two council caretakers who broke their way in to save his life.
Idris Barre was at his north London home with his sister Sabrin, 16, and brother Norr, 17, when the blaze broke out last Thursday afternoon.
Harrow council workers Bill Bearden, 43, and Tony Johnson, 39, were driving past when they spotted smoke billowing from a skylight.
The pair pulled over and ran towards the house. They broke down the front door to search through the smoke and flames for anyone trapped.
After pulling the two older children to safety, they learned Idris was trapped in the loft.
Today Idris's father Hassan Barre, 41, said: "We were very upset. These two men saved our son's life and God will reward them. They will get something back for this. They are our friends."
Mr Bearden said: "There were two children downstairs. They were pretty scared and worried. We were told by the older one that there was a boy upstairs in the loft where the fire had started. I rushed up there and without a thought began searching.
"I breathed in so much smoke, but was determined to find the boy. When I saw him I carried him out before leaving with Tony and the other children." Mr Barre was at hospital with his wife, Shukri Ali, 39, when he received a call from his daughter telling him their house was on fire and they headed home to make sure their children were safe.
Police and the fire brigade soon arrived at the house, in Harrow Weald, and firemen got the blaze under control.
Mr Johnson said: "We didn't think about going in. It was just one of those things you do. We are just glad that little boy is okay." Barry Macleod-Cullinane, Harrow council's cabinet member for housing, said: "These two men displayed admirable courage in saving the life of a young boy trapped in a blazing room.
"There is no training for that type of situation but they did it instinctively. We must tip our hats to their bravery and the quick thinking which got them into the house and out again in minimal time.
"These two caretakers really have gone above and beyond the call of duty."
The London Fire Brigade is investigating the circumstances of the fire.
Reader views (5)
anthony you & your mate were very brave for doing this, because of you both thinking quickly you saved lives, well done both of you
- Natalie & Brian, southall london, 15/07/2009 22:55
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Oh Mo, you're a funny guy, maybe you dhould do dtnd-up for a living. Oh, but then you'd STARVE you unfunny fool!
- Dave, camden, 15/07/2009 21:55
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thats my dad tony johnson and i am very proud of him
well done dad
- Luke Johnson, london northolt, 15/07/2009 21:55
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What brave and quick thinking guys. How easily this story could have been another tragic one. Well done to them both! Idris's father is right, what goes around comes around, and they will be rewarded in other ways.
- Smb, London, UK, 15/07/2009 21:55
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I had wondered what Right said Fred were up to these days!
Well done guys.
- Mo, Harrow UK, 15/07/2009 21:55
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