A man who heard an "explosion" prior to a tower block catching fire alerted a sleeping family to “prevent another Grenfell”.

Andrew Carberry, 44, said he was awake due to suffering from ‘long Covid insomnia’ when he heard an “explosion” from Abbey View tower block at around 5am.

As soon as Mr Carberry, who lives in Harvest End behind the block, heard the explosion, he rushed to warn the people living in the block.

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The charity worker said: “I heard that a lady and her family heard my shouting, and they were able to make it to safety.”

“I’ve never been more grateful for a loud voice.

Watford Observer: Abbey View block during and after the fire Pictures: Andrew CarberryAbbey View block during and after the fire Pictures: Andrew Carberry

“I just didn’t want another Grenfell to happen right outside my doorstep.

“I wanted to make sure nobody died and luckily, they didn’t.

“There were lots of other people about and the fire service were already there by the time I got to the end of my road.”

The fire started in the bin store of the block before spreading to the main block.

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