Boy reunites with firefighters who rescued him

Blaine with the firefighters who saved his life

A boy who was rescued from a burning home in Peterlee has been reunited with the firefighters who saved him.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service attended the fire at the first-floor flat in the Forth Close area on 14 December last year.

They managed to rescue Blaine Beattie, 10, and his 21-year-old brother Cameron from a window, but Blaine was badly burned.

The fire is being treated as suspected arson and is currently being investigated by Durham Constabulary.

Blaine suffered burns to 40% of his body, while Cameron was treated for a burn to his right arm.

A family dog also died in the fire.

Blaine spent two months in hospital but is now home and being supported by his family.

He visited Peterlee Fire Station last week to meet some of the firefighters who rescued him that night.

'Living nightmare'

Warning: Some readers might find the following image distressing

Blaine’s dad Paul said: “This has been the most awful experience of our lives, a living nightmare.

“We have moved into a new home and Blaine will go back to school next month.

“To everyone involved in his rescue – thank you so much, there aren’t really words to express our thanks.”

A picture, released by Blaine's family, of the 10-year-old in hospital

Watch Manager Mick Corfield, who was on shift the night of the fire, said: “Us firefighters are always thinking about the people that we’ve helped and wondering how they’re getting on.

"With Blaine being so young, and me being a father of two boys, his story really stuck with me.

"That’s why it was such a pleasure to have him come to the station and see him up and about but, most importantly, smiling."

Durham Constabulary are appealing for information about the fire.