An eight-year-old boy was today hailed a hero after he helped to alert firefighters to a smoke-filled flat in Telford where a woman lay inside.

Firefighters had to smash their way into the Madeley flat to rescue the woman after the alarm was raised by neighbours – including the schoolboy. 

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, had left food cooking unattended and fallen into a deep sleep, sparking the drama in Park Street last night.

Fire officials today praised the residents who gave them vital information when they reached the scene, in particular the Telford youngster, who has not been named. 

They dialled 999 after hearing a smoke alarm in the ground floor flat at about 5.45pm.

The woman was led to safety and given oxygen at the scene by firefighters from Tweedale Fire Station and then taken to the Princess Royal Hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation. 

Sub officer Guy Williams said: “A child on the scene, gave us valuable information and was able to direct us to the flat in question. 

“He was able to see by looking through the back window with his dad that the woman was lying on the bed in the flat.”

He said: “Those actions for a child that young I would say are heroic.”

Mr Williams said: “His actions didn’t prevent a tragedy but if the kitchen had caught fire his actions would have saved the woman’s life.”

He said the woman had half woken up when they smashed the window to the bedroom and was a bit confused.

“The ambulance was requested and did take the lady to the Princess Royal Hospital for a check-up.”

He said: “It turned out there had been something cooking and it was left unattended on the hob.”

Mr Williams said he had visited the boy’s primary school today and told classmates what the youngster had done.

l About 12 people were evacuated from a Telford factory after a fire today.

An overheating light fitting is being blamed for the incident at Selquin on Halesfield 5 shortly after 10am.

Guy Williams, sub officer at Tweedale Fire Station, said three appliances had been sent to the premises and were there about 30 minutes.

By Lisa Rowley