The grateful resident of a flat which caught fire in Maldon last Sunday (May 28) has reached out to the heroic nine-year-old who raised the alarm.

Jeffrey Billings, who lives in the flat in Lincoln Way, was on holiday when he learned his home had been engulfed in a devastating fire. His first thought was for his two beloved cats, Tarzan and Fluffy, who were thankfully kept safe.

Nine-year-old Joshua Kent had been playing in the street, when he spotted smoke coming from the windows of Jeffrey's flat. He alerted his parents, who contacted friend of Jeffrey's.

Thanks to Joshua's quick thinking, Jeffrey's friend was able to save his two cats.

Jeffrey told Nub News: "Hearing about Joshua's switched-on reaction, I was so pleased he had the knowledge on exactly what to do.

"His actions have saved most of my possessions and, most importantly, my beloved cats.

"Words just can't describe the appreciation, thanks, and debt I owe to Joshua for his courage, quick thinking, and braveness."

Pictures from the scene show the devastating impact the fire had on the kitchen of the property in Handley Gardens, Maldon. (Photos: Jeffrey Billings)

Jeffrey believes the fire may have been caused by a camera he had left on the hob in his kitchen. The camera was placed on a tripod, to allow Jeffrey to keep an eye on his cats while he was away.

However, the hob had mistakenly been left switched on and it eventually melted the tripod until it caught fire.

Joshua's mum, Sara Phillips, went to see the smoke for herself, initially thinking a piece of toast was burning. When the smoke began to get thicker and heavier, she called the fire brigade.

The kitchen and living room are damaged beyond repair, but the other rooms have some smoke and soot damage which may be salvageable.

For Jeffrey, the fire could not have come at a worse time.

He said: "I suffer from kidney failure and have dialysis three times a week. I'm also blind in my right eye.

"In addition to that, my mum, who I'm currently staying with, is suffering from terminal cancer. So, the displacement is particularly painful for me."

"I was absolutely heartbroken that the fire had happened."

However, Jeffrey added that he has received "amazing" support from his neighbours in the Handley Gardens Estate. He hopes to be back in his own home again within the next three months but is aware there could be a slow road to renovation.

If Jeffrey needs to stay at a hotel, it is unlikely he will be able to bring his pets with him. Therefore, a local family may need to house them temporarily. Those who can help are asked to get in touch with Maldon Nub News.

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