A PASSING motorist who pulled a man from his burning home was last night hailed a lifesaver by firefighters.

The rescuer was driving in Faraday Street, Middlesbrough, when he saw smoke coming from the terraced house.

Firefighters said the rescuer found the 53-year-old occupant slumped on the floor and dragged him outside.

When crews arrived, they found the householder suffering from severe smoke inhalation.

Middlesbrough station officer Steve Waggott said it was unclear initially whether there were other casualties inside the house.

"We had a potentially very serious situation on our hands," he said. "By the time we arrived, the fire had developed to such a stage that the whole of the interior of the house was about to explode."

No further occupants were found, but neighbouring properties were checked in case the fire spread through the lofts.

Mr Waggott said: "This man was very lucky that a passing motorist was able to carry him out of the fire. Without his help, the consequences could have been devastating."

The man was given oxygen before being taken to hospital.

Police and firefighters were last night investigating the cause of Saturday night's fire.