Brown Trout pub was devastated in early morning blaze

A neighbour at Minorca Place narrowly escaped death thanks to the swift actions of a quick-thinking neighbour.

Leon Burton who lived in a shop next to the pub escaped the blaze after being awakened by a neighbour.

Mr. Burton said: “I did not know what was happening. I woke when I heard the loud noise and I saw smoke in the living room,

“I just rushed to the front door and opened it. The flames were burning against my skin and a neighbour was standing there . It was really frightening and I am lucky to be alive.”

Just a few hours later, the roof of his “living quarters” completely collapsed.

“I owe my life to the actions of my neighbour William Perry,” he added.

Mr. Perry told the East Antrim Times that when he looked out the window, he saw flames rising from the pub and immediately called the Fire Brigade.

Firemen fought the flames throughout the night but the pub was “completely gutted”. Damage was also caused to Breakers Fast Food shop.