Hero paperboy alerted couple to fatal fire
A teenager who has been labelled a hero after he alerted a couple to a fatal house fire in Rugby has said he is pleased he did the "right thing at the right time".
Joel, 15, was on his paper round in Firs Drive, Rugby shortly after 07:00 GMT on Monday, when he heard an alarm and saw smoke coming from a semi-detached house.
He reacted quickly, alerting the couple in the adjoining home, allowing them to escape, before calling 999.
Warwickshire Police has confirmed that two people, believed to be in their 90s, died in the fire.
Joel has received widespread praise on social media and from his school - Harris Church of England Academy - for his quick thinking.
Speaking to BBC Radio CWR, he said: "I didn't know what to do at the time because I've never been in that situation before.
"But in the end I felt I knew what I needed to do and I feel I did the right thing at the right time.
"It was a big surprise and shock for me because I never thought I'd have to put myself in that situation."
The 15-year-old, from Rugby, has now been asked to meet the family of the couple who he alerted to the blaze.
His dad, Liam, said: "Me and his mum are really proud of him.
"He jumped into action swiftly when he needed to and did the right thing, not feeling the pressure.
"We've been overwhelmed with messages from people."
Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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