UPDATE: |‘He deserves a medal’ – ‘Superhero’ teen praised for rescuing elderly neighbour from house fire News

Thousands of people have congratulated the young lad for his bravery

A teenager has been inundated with praise after he ‘heroically’ rescued his elderly neighbour from a house fire in the middle of the night.

Joel Keates, 17, had just broken up for the Easter holidays when he heard screaming coming from outside his home in Altrincham, while ordering a McDonald’s takeaway at around 2 a.m. on Friday (April 4).

According to his stepmum, Emily Haddock, Joel “initially thought someone was being stabbed” when he heard the screams.

He raced outside to see smoke and flames coming out of his elderly neighbour’s house.

Joel said: “It was pretty obvious there was a fire, there was smoke coming out of the windows and the roof – the house hadn’t gone up in flames since but it did soon after.”

Chilling footage captured from his dad, Dean Keates, and stepmum Emily’s Ring doorbell camera showed the moment the “brave” teen raced across the street to the fire “without a second thought” and called the fire service.

The sixth former then ran back home to seek further help from Dean and Emily, who collectively managed to get their neighbour to safety. Miraculously, nobody was seriously injured.

Thousands of people have shown support for the teen on social media after footage of the incident went viral, with hundreds calling for Joel to be awarded a medal for bravery.

Responding to the Manchester Evening News’ post on Facebook, Irene Carroll said: “I sincerely hope he gets some formal recognition for his amazing act of rescuing the poor lady. Huge well done to you!!!!!”

Jim Dalton commented: “Fantastic example to young people. You, your family and friends should all be very proud.”

Angela Myler said: “What an amazing selfless thing to do. Well done young man, I hope everything good in life comes your way.”

Christine Parkes wrote: “Well done. He should get a medal for bravery.”

Gertrude Morrissey said: “What a courageous, wonderful young man.”

Evelyn Melvin commented: “An amazingly brave young man, what a super hero.”

Kris Coia said: “Thank Goodness you did what you did Joel, well done, be proud of yourself.”

Silvia Singh said: “Well done Joel. What an amazing selfless young man you are your family must be very proud of you for rescuing this old lady. God bless you and your family there is still decent people out there.”