Homeless man praised for saving lives of whole family when house went up in flames

• A homeless man saved the life of a family after their home went up in flames while they were sleeping.

• Chris was sleeping in a caravan outside and woke everyone up by battering on the door.

• The family say 90% of their belongings have been destroyed.

A family say they might not be here today if it wasn't for the heroic actions of 21-year-old Chris Tollerson.

Homeless Mr Tollerson was visiting his brother in Carlton, Nottingham, when a fire engulfed their bungalow in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Tollerson, who was sleeping in the family's caravan on the drive, had nipped out for a cigarette when he saw the home on fire.

Mr Tollerson, who has been homeless since September, had been visiting his brother for the weekend. He had been sleeping in the caravan as there was no room inside the house.

The family said that 90% of their belongings have been destroyed in the blaze and the fire has gutted downstairs including the kitchen and living room.

They are currently staying in a hotel and have been told they can't return to their property to live there for at least six months.

The fire service said the blaze was caused by 'electrics', which the family believe started from a freezer.