Girl, 17, rushes into burning house to save four children from Birmingham blaze

A 17-year-old girl has been labelled a “hero” after rushing into a burning house to save four children from a fire.

Tasharna Walters climbed onto the roof of the home in Erdington, Birmingham, on Friday last week after being told about the blaze at her neighbour’s home.

Four young girls were unable to escape the flames, with three having climbed up onto the roof to get away and another still trapped inside.

Walters kicked in the kitchen window and rushed through the smoke-filled house following the child's crying until she found her.

She then helped save the other girls with the help of neighbours and the emergency services.

"I ran and I kicked in the kitchen window and climbed up to the top room,” Walters said after the incident. “It was blacked out, I saw the flames on the landing.

"But because there was a boiler in the room, I was more worried about the little girl's safety. As long as she was out, I was fine.

"I went to accompany the other girls, the firemen came with the ladder and helped the man down, by that time the house had already exploded at least three times.

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"I stayed with her for a while, they were very hysterical they were crying so I comforted them, then they were taken off to hospital,” she added.

"I have a personal history with them, and I've known them for a while. I just wanted to help them."

All four girls were then treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Dean Doyle, a neighbour of Walters’ who has lived in the same street for years, branded her a “hero of Birmingham” as he posted a picture of them together the day after the blaze.

Doyle wrote online: "Hero of Birmingham. I've seen this young girl grow up to be a wonder woman.

"This is the face of the hero who entered a house on fire on Round Road, Erdington, and saved four kids' lives.

Mickel Munn, 37, of Mary Road, Stechford, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

A 29-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of child neglect, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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