A man was being hailed a hero today after rescuing a mother and her son from a blaze at a flat last night.
Neighbour Harry Newton, rescued Michelle Bowel, 20, and three year old James, from their first floor flat at Elmer House, Arun Road, Billingshurst near Horsham.
Harry, a 23-year-old builder, rushed to their aid after hearing screams coming from the flat opposite at 9.45pm.
His girlfriend, Jane Smart, 20, who was with an upstairs neighbour at the time said: "We all heard Michelle screaming. Harry tried to kick in the door but it wouldn't budge.
"He ran outside and climbed to the first floor balcony and smashed a window to get in. He grabbed the baby and brought him to safety. Michelle stayed in the flat so he went back to fetch her.
"They were both on the balcony when the fire brigade arrived."
Michelle and James were kept overnight at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath for observations.
The flat was slightly damaged.
The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and forensic scientists were visiting the flat today.
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