Hero rough sleeper praised after rescuing toddler from burning building

The bravery of a rough sleeper from Leighton Buzzard has been praised after he saved a young child from a burning house.

Jason Barry was first on the scene when the fire started on North Street on the evening of Tuesday, 17 March.

He caught the toddler as they were lowered down from the first floor, where the fire had started.

According to Bedfordshire Fire Service, Mr Barry used his sleeping bag to catch the child.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller said: “I would like to thank Jason for his brave efforts.

"In a life-threatening incident like this, quick actions are key to saving lives, and for that he should be incredibly proud.

“I’d also like to thank the crews who rescued several further people from the building and the support from police colleagues for their help and support at the incident.”

The fire is believed to have been started by a cooking appliance in a first floor kitchen.

Firefighters rescued three other people from the building.