Neighbour describes dramatic fire rescue
A HERO neighbour has described the dramatic rescue of a woman from a ferocious New Year’s Day house blaze which is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
Three people were found dead inside the house in Peartree Road, Kirton, Lincolnshire, after the fire was extinguished, police said. But two other women managed to escape, with one jumping from a window at the back of the house according to residents, and another rescued by neighbours.
John Holland, who lives opposite, and another man both decided to act after seeing flames shooting through the roof of the detached house, shortly before 3am.
Quick-thinking Mr Holland, 68, described how he and the other resident – who he does not know – spotted the woman trapped on the ground floor of the burning house, smashed their way in and pulled her out.
It was initially believed one person had died in the fire, but Lincolnshire Police said on Wednesday that three people had now been found dead inside.
Launching a domestic-related murder inquiry, officers said they believed they knew the identities of the deceased and were not seeking anyone else in connection with the deadly blaze.
Giving more details, the force confirmed the victims had been a woman aged 27, a male aged 24, and a 32-year-old man – all British.
Describing the dramatic rescue bid, Mr Holland said he was woken by his Jack Russell, Benny, barking, some time after 2am and smashed a window to get in.
Other neighbours, including Kirton parish council chairman, David Danby, described the “ferocity” of the fire and its rapid spread.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.