THANKS MATE: Mike Gibbs, left, who helped rescue Alfie Brown from his burning home
A CWMBRAN family have praised brave neighbours for helping them escape a blaze that gutted their home.
Alfie Brown, 24, his girlfriend Amy Manley, 18, Alfie's sister Dawn Atug, 21, her husband Turgut Atug, 29, and their four-year-old son Metehan escaped the fire in Monnow Court, Thornhill on Tuesday after neighbours came to their rescue.
They were taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital for smoke inhalation and later released.
Turgut was also treated for leg injuries after jumping from an upstairs window to escape.
Mike Gibbs, 50, from West Pontnewydd in Cwmbran, was visiting his friend Tracey Kelleher in Monnow Court when the fire started.
After spotting smoke coming from the burning house he rushed across the street to help the trapped family.
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Mike said: "I tried to kick open the door but it would not budge.
"So I managed to get my finger behind the window frame and wedge it open. Then the family started coming out.
"I don't know how I did it, it was just instinct."
Eyewitnesses described how Mr Gibbs then wrapped a wet tea towel around his head and entered the house to see if anyone was still inside, after the front door was finally kicked open.
Mike added: "I would not hesitate to do the same thing again and I can go to my grave knowing I have helped save a life.
"I am not a hero, I am just helpful."
Alfie Brown said: "If it wasn't for Mike then I don't know how we would have got out of the house.
"Everybody in the street came to try and help us and we are really thankful."
His sister Dawn added: "We are very grateful for all the neighbours who gave us help."
Fire officials are treating the blaze as accidental and an investigation is ongoing to identify its cause.
Local authorities are now trying to rehouse the family.
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