Vibrating pad saved fire victim

A deaf man has been injured in an arson attack on a block of flats in West Sussex.

It is thought the man's life may have been saved because a vibrating pad, known as a fire angel, which is placed under the pillow, alerted him.

He was able to put the fire out himself but was taken to hospital for treatment after breathing in smoke.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they believed flammable material had been put through the letter box.

Led to safety

Crews were called to the four-storey property in Shoreham on Saturday.

Firefighters then led a man, who lived in a ground floor flat, to safety.

Investigating officer Gary Townsend said they were treating the incident as arson.

"It would appear at this stage of the investigation that something was put through the letter box. We are looking at an arson attack on a 64-year-old male with hearing problems.

"Thankfully something we call a fire angel was installed last July under his pillow.

"He actually put the fire out himself but only because he was woken up by the pad."

Sussex Police are investigating the incident.