Hero builder saves Halesowen couple from flames

A builder has been hailed a hero after wading through thick smoke and flames to rescue a disabled couple from their burning Black Country home.

Fire chiefs have paid tribute to father-of-four Pete Tonkiss, of Halesowen, saying his brave act saved the couple's lives.

The 52-year-old had been renovating the house next door to Sue Reis and John Ward's home in Cherry Street, Halesowen, when he heard their smoke alarm sounding yesterday afternoon.

Unable to get in the front door, he raced around to the back of the house, climbed over the locked gate and pushed open the back door.

He found the couple, who were both in wheelchairs, in the living room surrounded by leaping flames and Ms Reis's clothes were alight.

Mr Tonkiss carried them both to safety before going back to extinguish some of the flames.

Ms Reis, aged 52, suffered "significant" burns and was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, where she is today in a serious condition. Mr Ward, aged 56, was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley. Mr Tonkiss, of Stourbridge Road, said: "I was working next door when I heard the smoke alarm and I knew something was wrong. It was a huge shock when I saw them sitting there especially as I could see Sue's clothes were on fire.

"It all happened very quickly and it's a bit of a blur now. I am just hoping they are both going to be all right."

His quick-thinking actions were praised by Halesowen crew commander Stephen Scriven.

He said: "If he hadn't have got them out, because of the way the fire had built up, there would almost certainly have been fatalities."

Crews from Halesowen, Cradley Heath and Woodgate attended the blaze at around 1.40pm. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

House owner Brian Withers, who has been renting the property to the couple for the past four years, described Mr Tonkiss as "a real hero".