Parents today praised their disabled son after he helped save his three-year-old sister when fire ripped through their home.

Richard Haywood, of Goose Green, Tendring, said he and his wife, Michelle, could have lost both children had it not been for 13-year-old Daniel's alertness.

"He's our little hero," said Mr Haywood. "Youngsters like Daniel who suffer from cerebral palsy often get pointed at in the street and have a stigma surrounding him. However, after what happened he deserves nothing but praise."

Mr Haywood said the family have been made homeless by the blaze which broke out at noon on Sunday.

It is believed to have been started by young sister Chloe playing with matches in her bedroom. Daniel, who was resting on his bed, smelt the smoke and immediately went to his sister's aid.

"He virtually pushed Chloe down the stairs to get her away from the flames and started shouting fire," Mr Haywood added.

"I rushed up and there was some smoke and a few flames but when I went back with some water I was met by a complete wall of flames.

"Those few extra seconds of warning probably saved two lives. If Daniel had fallen asleep I dread to think what would have happened."

Mr Haywood said he accepted that the fire was probably started by Chloe.

"You cannot watch your children 24 hours a day - we were downstairs talking to a neighbour who had popped round," he added. "Chloe would not have understood the full consequences of her actions."

The family were moved into temporary accommodation.

Dramatic rescue - Daniel Haywood.

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