A MAN suffered from smoke inhalation after an unattended chip pan went up in flames at a flat in Deepdale, Preston.

But the tragedy could have been much worse if a fire alarm hadn't alerted a quick thinking neighbour who smashed down the door, allowing firefighters to gain access.

Alan Frank was carried from his home at Royal Brook House at around 5am on Wednesday and treated by firemen and paramedics.

He, his mother and sister were taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where his condition was described as comfortable.

Sub officer Colin Byers who helped to carry Mr Franks to safety, said: "The fire was discovered by a smoke detector. If the building hadn't been fitted with detectors, it doesn't bear thinking about what might have happened."

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