Dirty Den actor flees flat fire

Leslie Grantham had been trapped inside the flat during the fire but got out before fire crews arrived at the scene

Ex-EastEnders star Leslie Grantham, who played "Dirty" Den Watts, has escaped from a fire in a Swansea apartment.

The actor, appearing in a play at the city's Grand Theatre, was trapped but managed to flee the burning ground floor flat before fire crews arrived.

The 62-year-old was given first aid for a cut to his hand and smoke inhalation by firefighters, who had been called at 1237 BST on Thursday.

Grantham said despite his experience, he is "pleased to be in Swansea".

An investigating showed a fault in an electrical appliance caused the blaze.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the flat was "heavily smoke logged".

Crews entered the building using breathing apparatus, dousing the flames before using a ventilation fan.

'Gratitude'

Station Manager Gary Williams, who went to the blaze, said they had initial report that a man was trapped in the flat, but Grantham managed to escape.

Grantham, who was not taken to hospital, said in a statement, he was "very pleased to have escaped unharmed".

He also sent his "thanks to the fire brigade, police and paramedics who attended the fire at his rented marina apartment."

And he wished to "extend his gratitude to the person who called the emergency services."

A spokesman for the actor said: "Despite his experience Leslie says he is pleased to be in Swansea, and indeed, looks forward to further visits in the future."

He is appearing in Write Me a Murder, which is running at the Grand Theatre from 11 to 15 August.