'It was instinct': Workers hailed heroes after evacuating fire-ravaged block of flats

• ITV Meridian's Lucy Warhurst has been speaking to Robbie Keith and Matthew Kiloh. Pictures from Matthew Steele and Matt Kiloh

Two men who helped evacuate a fire-ravaged block of flats in Southampton said they had no hesitation in rushing in to rescue residents.

Robbie Keith and Matthew Kiloh said they acted on "instinct" when they turned up to work shortly before 6am on Thursday and realised a blaze had taken hold of a building on Anglesea Terrace.

Together they raised the alarm with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, before going door-to-door and alerting people to the potential threat.

Nobody was injured in the blaze and the Fire Service is investigating the cause.

Speaking exclusively to ITV Meridian, the pair - who work for a local Travis Perkins branch - explained how they helped to rescue between 15 and 20 people before firefighters arrived on the scene.

"We got to work about quarter to six, got here a little bit early, went to start loading up the lorries and I could smell smoke," Mr Keith said.

"I had a quick look around inside, nothing inside. As I came outside, Matt had his back to the flat and I said 'Matt phone the fire brigade, the flats are on fire.'"

The duo then sprung into action, attempting to enter the building through its front door, but, because of the time of morning, were unable to wake up any of the residents and be let in.

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Mr Keith said: "So I jumped over the security gate at the back, and the back door was open, so I let Matt in through the main door and then we just started knocking on everyone's doors."

Mr Kiloh added: "There were kids crying, dogs and all of that kind of stuff. We just needed to get them out really, explain the situation as quickly as possible and get them out."

One resident, living on the top floor of the building, was left trapped by the fire and "unable" to breath through the smoke, according to Mr Kiloh.

He said they were unable to reach them because "there were flames everywhere", but added: "Luckily the fire brigade got here quick as possible, explained the situation and they got her out safely."

In the wake of their brave response, colleagues and local residents have hailed Mr Keith and Mr Kiloh as heroes, though their pair were quick to point out they only acted in a way they hoped "most people would".

"It's nice to hear that people think like that, but I wouldn't call myself a hero," Mr Keith said.

Ten fire engines attended at the height of the fire, which was also fought by two aerial ladder platforms and command support vehicles.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was extinguished by 9am.

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