A man has praised the “lifesaving” firefighter who scaled three floors to rescue his wife.

Elioson Deke, who lived in a second floor flat above the nail salon and Oxfam charity shop, said firefighter Patrick Ince risked his own life to save his wife, Christine Deke.

The flat which he and his wife shared for five years, was completely destroyed in yesterday evening’s blaze.

He said: “Somebody knocked and we saw smoke coming under the doors and the alarm was going. I just started running until I was outside, but when I looked, my wife had not followed me.

“She was still inside. A firefighter, who was with the second team to turn up, climbed the ladder and he rescued her.

“If he hadn’t done that, she would not be here. I am so thankful to him, he saved my wife’s life – he is a lifesaver.

“He just climbed up to the window and helped her out onto the ladder when no one else would.”

While Long Melford firefighter Mr Ince was scaling the ladder, the nail salon below was said to have “blown out” by eye witnesses, enveloping Mr Ince in thick smoke.

Mr Deke was grateful for the support he had received from the community and the council.

“My wife was taken to hospital with a few injuries but she is out now,” he sad. “The council have found us temporary accommodation.

“Everyone has helped us, they could not do anymore for us.”