A BADLY injured gas blast victim last night received prompt attention from a fire chief who was already in the neighbourhood to assess flood damage.

The unnamed man, in his 30s, was fighting for his life last night in Middlesbrough General Hospital after the explosion ripped through his home.

He managed to escape after his home in Newlands Road, Middlesbrough, was rocked by the explosion following a leak from a gas pipe.

Sean O'Malley was the first on the scene, forcing his way into the house only to be beaten back by thick, swirling smoke.

Mr O'Malley, an assistant divisional officer with Cleveland Fire Brigade, was in the street checking whether there was a need to call out for help to deal with choked gullies when the blast ripped through the house.

He said: "I was talking to local residents who were concerned about the flooding when we heard an explosion.

I thought someone had thrown something through a window. I went to have a look and saw fire to the left of the front door and bay window. I could smell gas.''

Mr O'Malley forced his way into the house to search for any occupents.

When he came out of the building, he found the victim of the blast, naked from the waist up, his body, head and arms badly burned.

Neighbour Mo Mansha paid tribute to the fire chief's heroics. He said: "He booted the door down and went in straight away.''

No Transco official could not be contacted for comment last night.