TWO caretakers have been hailed as heroes after rescuing a boy from a house on fire in Harrow.

Bill Bearden, 43, and Tony Johnson, 39, spotted smoke billowing out of the skylight of the house in Headstone Drive as they drove past on Thursday, July 9.

When the Harrow Council workers broke down the front door, two children who were downstairs told them 11-year-old Idris Barre was in the loft where the fire had started.

Bill said: “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."

After the children were taken to safety, firefighters arrived and quickly brought the fire under control.

Tony 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."

Idris' parents were making a hospital visit at the time of the fire, but rushed back when their daughter told them what had happened.

Father Hassan Barre, 41, said: “These two men saved our son's life and God will reward them. They will get something back for this. They are our friends."

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane, who is in charge of housing, praised the caretakers' instinctive efforts, saying: “They displayed admirable courage and initiative in saving the life of a young boy trapped in a blazing room. 

“Their bravery and quick thinking got them into the house and out again in minimal time, getting this young boy to safety - actions going above and beyond the call of duty."