Man rescued from burning home

Fire fighters rescued the man from his Tennent Street home

A man has been rescued from a fire at his Belfast home.

Police officers who tried to get him out of the house in Tennent Street were forced back by thick smoke and had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Fire fighters managed to pull the man to safety and he was taken to hospital suffering from serious burns and the effects of smoke.

The Fire Brigade quickly brought the fire under control.

Assistant Divisional Officer John Denver of the Fire Brigade said the man need not have been hurt.

"The Fire Brigade would emphasise the fact that if there had been a smoke detector fitted and maintained within the house this gentleman may well have got out unscathed," he said.

"But because there was no smoke detector in the premises it obviously delayed his ability to to get out."

Police say they do not believe the fire was started maliciously.