Hero neighbours rescued a man from his burning flat on Saturday morning.
They kicked open the door of the smoke-filled premises in Palmerston Road, Westcliff to help the man escape, when he was unable to find his keys to unlock the door from the inside.
The 33-year-old was taken to Southend Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but was later released.
He was still in shock afterwards and would not be identified, but told how he was unaware that fire was raging through the building, until neighbours raised the alarm.
More in Monday's Echo
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