A courageous Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) warden has been praised for rescuing a tenant from a kitchen fire before returning to lead others to safety.

Reception Warden Omar Jhungoor was carrying out routine inspections at Gloucester House in Kilburn on June 9th when he noticed smoke coming from a seventh floor flat.

Bravely he went to investigate and discovered a fire in the home of resident Ricky Neacy.

Mr Neacy explained: "I had put some fish on for dinner and had fallen asleep. I woke up to the smell of smoke - I was scared and confused. I heard banging and followed it to my front door and found one of our reception wardens was there".

Quick-thinking Omar brought the tenant out of the flat to safety, called the fire brigade and then returned to evacuate the rest of the floors tenants. He and other wardens carried young children down stairs, assisted elderly residents, and ensured that everyone got out calmly and safely.

Mr Neacy added: "The wardens helped us out of our homes and made sure we all waited in a safe place."

Omar said: "I do routine checks during every shift and a fire was the last thing I was expecting to find. I'm just glad I was at the right place at the right time and could help - I only did what anyone else would do."

Helen Evans, Managing Director of BHP said: "Our staff often go the extra mile to help our residents, but Omar went even further. We are very proud of him."