AN ELDERLY man was rescued from a burning building thanks to the quick thinking of two brave neighbours.
The victim, believed to be Leonard Thompson, was trapped on the first floor of his terraced home when the fire broke out in Hapgood Close, Greenford on Friday evening (11).
Four fire engines carrying 20 firefighters arrived at 8.10pm and the flames were under control by 9.45pm.
But two men living a few doors along had already pulled Mr Thompson to safety when emergency services arrived as flames ripped through the first floor, damaging part of the roof.
The 82-year-old was treated by paramedics on the scene and taken to Northwick Park hospital as a precaution. The London Ambulance Service said he had no major injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Half the ground floor and part of the first floor and part of the roof were damaged.
"A neighbour or member of the public rescued a man from the first floor using a ladder before the brigade arrived."
The Gazette was unable to contact the anonymous heroes, but a neighbour said: "We were surprised because everyone was in their homes when it started.
"I came out and saw the flames and lots of smoke and lots of fire engines in the street. I heard two men from across the street helped the elderly man out."
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
