Brave Barrhead men Robert Storrie and army pal Steven Robertson (pictured right) were dressed as supervillain Joker and superhero Batman’s sidekick Robin when they spotted flames ripping through a flat.

And, like true heroes, the quick-thinking duo started battering on the doors of those living in the flat to make sure people got out safely.

Robert, 30, said he spotted the blaze at around 12.30am as he headed home from his pal’s fancy dress birthday party.

He said: “We were kicking down doors because the fire was spreading fast. But I thought people might think we were at it because of our outfits.” Steven, 31, who was dressed as Robin, also commented: “At one flat, a guy took one look and just slammed the door on us. We had to hit his door again and tell him we weren’t joking.” “We had training in the army on how to deal with a fire so we made as much noise as we could, banging on every door from the top down and screaming, ‘Fire! Fire!’” Fire crews evacuated neighbouring buildings and paramedics checked several people at the scene.

Nicola Clements, 33, who was led to safety when the fire broke out, said: “They deserve a medal. Everyone got out because of their fast thinking.”