Police dog handler and wife save neighbours’ lives after home was struck by lightning

An elderly Essex couple whose bungalow burst into flames after being struck by lightning were heroically rescued by a police dog handler and his wife. PC David Bridge and his wife Samantha, who also works for the force, bravely went into the building in Corringham in the early hours of Sunday morning (June 18).

The couple braved thick smoke and a collapsing ceiling to get neighbours Barry and Margaret and their six dogs and one cat to safety. The fierce blaze took Essex Fire and Rescue crews from Corringham, Orsett, Basildon and Grays two hours to extinguish. Although the house was saved, the roof and loft bedrooms have suffered extensive damage.

Dave and Samantha were woken up by what Dave described as “an explosion” that “shook the house and made the roof tiles rattle” at 3.30am. He went to check on the family’s five dogs – which includes police dogs Leo and Ralph – when his stepson told him that their neighbour’s house was on fire.

Read more: Essex bungalow catches on fire after being struck by lightning during storm

Dave told him to call 999 while he and Samantha immediately ran next door where they knew the couple who live there, Barry and Margaret, would need help due to their age and lack of mobility. Dave said: “There was smoke billowing between the two bungalows and the side of the house was ablaze. I ran around to the front of the house and another neighbour was banging on one of the windows.

“Barry opened the inner door and me and Samantha rushed in. I shouted, ‘It’s time to get out now, come on.’ Margaret was through the back – she didn’t hear the explosion, although I don’t know how! Samantha set about getting hold of Barry and Margaret and taking them outside, and I took all the dogs, one by one, under my arm and put them in the back of their car.

“While I was doing that, the ceilings were alight and the ceiling in the kitchen fell down. The smoke was horrendous – it was stinging your eyes. By the time we got outside the whole roof was alight.” Barry and Margaret were taken to a neighbour’s house and an ambulance was called.

Dave – who has been with Essex Police for 20 years – added: “We didn’t hesitate, I went straight in and Samantha was right behind me. It’s just what you do, isn’t it? They’re our neighbours and they needed to be got. Our other neighbours in the street were really good as well, bringing cups of tea and looking after Barry and Margaret. It’s a nice community.”

Now, a fundraiser has been launched to help the residents of the bungalow who have had to temporarily leave the home due to safety concerns. The GoFundMe page was launched on Sunday and has already seen more than £2,500 raised for the residents.

The page is being organised by a neighbour. Writing online, they said: “Our poor senior neighbours house was struck by lighting last night. Thankfully they and their pets were rescued and all escaped unharmed

“The same can’t be said for their poor home. We would like to raise money to help them repair their home so they can return with the rescue animals as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and if you can please donate.”

More than 60 people have donated to the cause, including a huge £1,000 donation from the Corringham Animal Aid. At the time of the fire, Watch Manager Geoff Wheal said: “The couple were woken by a massive bang and then heard neighbours knocking on their door. Thanks to the neighbours, the couple along with their six dogs and cat got out safely.

“Crews worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire. Although the roof and first-floor bedrooms were badly damaged, they managed to stop the fire from spreading to the ground floor and save the property.”