Playstation blaze devastates Portsmouth family's flat

Victoria King, 46, said she is just grateful her son Carter, 20, and four-year-old grandson Parker were able to escape the flat in Estella Road, Buckland, after flames and toxic smoke ripped through the apartment on Sunday morning at 2.30am while they slept.

The terrifying incident has left Carter ‘traumatised’ after he heroically saved his little boy before going back into the inferno to rescue beloved pet dog Buddy and the family’s cat, which suffered burnt paws.

Carter and Parker spent a night at Queen Alexandra Hospital after suffering with smoke inhalation following the fire at the second floor flat.

Despite the flat being condemned – with Victoria and her family left with ‘nothing more than the clothes on their back’ – the mum is determined to stay positive.

Describing the horrifying incident, Victoria said: ‘Carter and Parker were both asleep when the fire started. Luckily the smoke alarms went off. Carter woke up and turned on his torch – all he could see was black smoke.

‘Carter got Parker and they both ran outside in their boxer shorts before he went back in to get the dog and cat. He then came to check for me but didn’t realise I was out – it was the first time I’ve been out in a year.

‘We were told the fire started in the PlayStation. It was turned off but the mains switch was on.’

Looking around her newly decorated flat in disbelief at the chaos before her eyes, Victoria added: ‘I don’t know where to begin. I have no clothes – I had to go and buy some new ones.

‘Everything has gone, all sentimental items which you can’t replace like my grandson’s shoes.

‘But I keep telling myself: “I could have been organising a funeral.” The flat has been condemned after smoke went through the whole flat. Carter has been left traumatised.’

Victoria also lives at the flat with her 21-year-old daughter Ellie Rushforth, who was also away when the fire took place.

Ellie said: ‘It’s scary. You don’t expect it to happen. It’s been stressful with my exams coming up for university.

‘The worst thing is that we have all been split up now while the repair work takes place as we are going to live with different people.’

Portsmouth City Council is now due to restore the flat.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews from Southsea, Cosham, Havant and Portchester attended the blaze before it was extinguished just before 4am.

A donation page has been set up by a friend of the family. To donate go to www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-my-friend-who-had-a-horrendous-fire