Man trapped in Shrewsbury bungalow blaze

A man is in hospital with burns after being rescued from a blaze which ripped through a Shrewsbury bungalow, trapping him in a bedroom.

Firefighters had to smash windows and break down a door to get into the bungalow in Wilton Green, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, as the drama unfolded yesterday afternoon.

An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire but it is believed it may have been caused by a cigarette.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, suffered severe burns to his lower legs and was today being treated for his injuries at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews were called at about 4pm.

"A man was rescued from the property and transferred via ambulance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital," he said.

Fire officials said the smoke alarm in the property was not working.

Rob Corfield, assistant group commander at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, today said: "I would ask people to ensure that their fire alarms are working and I would urge people to contact Shrewsbury Fire Station for advice."

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There were lots of fire engines, police and ambulances on the street."

Another said: "The fire service couldn't get through the door and spent ages trying to break it down. Then he was dragged out."