A GROUP of young people may be recognised for bravery after rescuing a neighbour from a house fire.

Brothers Mark, 18, and Dan Gill, 25, and a friend, David Northend, 18, broke in through the front door after being told a couple were trapped inside their home in Surrey Street, Middlesbrough.

Covering their faces with clothing, they braved the thick smoke to search for the people.

Retreating outside for gulps of air, they kept it going until they found the woman and carried her to safety. Her partner was rescued by the fire brigade.

Station Officer Kevin Harrison, who attended the incident on Wednesday, plans to nominate the young people, and neighbour Peter Dalyrympele, for commendations.

He said: "We don't recommend that people tackle fires themselves, but I will be recommending the four neighbours for commendations.

"They acted on instinct, and I congratulated them for what they did. They obviously had no thought for their own safety."

Mr Harrison said someone in the house had put on the chip pan then fallen asleep.

"As they didn't have smoke alarms, they may never have woken up," he said.

The woman was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and lacerations. The man was treated at the scene.

Mark Gill, of Surrey Street, said he responded without thinking. "When we got there, people were trying to kick the door in and someone had smashed a window.

"Smoke was pouring out of the house, and I started kicking the door down. I just wanted to get the people out. I would be really flattered to get a commendation."

Mr Northend, of Falkland Street, said: "I wasn't really worried for my own safety. I was more concerned about spoiling my T-shirt."