A WEALDSTONE man has told how he helped save a baby from a fire that killed an “adoring father”.

Ayoub Al-Mansour, 23, woke up at around 4am on Thursday last week to find a woman screaming for help from the first floor of the next door house, in Grant Road.

His brother, Yacoub, was already trying to help Jennifer pass her three-month-old baby Rachel through the window and Ayoub ran out to help lift the 22-year-old high enough to rescue the youngster.

The pair helped save Rachel's life and three-year-old Anna was helped out by another neighbour from another window at the back of the property.

Firefighters rescued Jennifer and her husband Santosh Benjamin-Muthiah, but he died tragically on Sunday after more than three days in intensive care.

Ayoub said: “The baby was hanging from the window so I just lifted my brother to the roof and he passed her to me.

“The baby was so stiff, there was smoke coming out from everywhere, from her mouth and her nose so I gave her to my mum.

“It's our duty to do this and it's the greatest feeling you can have to save someone's life and especially a baby. We tried to save the rest of the family but the smoke was too much.”

Tributes have poured in to Santosh, known to friends as Ben, who was an active member of Wealdstone Baptist Church, in High Street.

Ian Webber, secretary of the church, said: “The loss of Ben will leave a gaping hole at the heart of our church.

“We can never replace him but only learn from his example as a devoted husband; a proud father; a loving son; a respected Elder; an inspiring worship leader; a talented musician; a gifted preacher; a conscientious worker; an unassuming servant; a willing helper; a faithful follower of Jesus; a much loved and sorely missed Christian friend and brother.

“We continue to pray for Jennifer's recovery as she remains in Intensive Care in St Mary's Hospital.”

James Richard, his father-in-law, said: “He was a wonderful ambassador of Christ, a loving husband to Jennifer, a loyal son, an ideal son-in-law to me, and an adoring father to his two beautiful children.”

He added: “We pray for his soul to rest in peace and we pray that the family will overcome this tragedy and continue to love God.”

Anna and Rachel are safe and are staying with friends of the family in Harrow.