Ananova:

A pet rabbit has been hailed a hero after saving a couple from a fire as it swept through their home.

The Metro newspaper reports that the family pet scratched at the couple's bedroom door as they slept, waking the husband up.

The man then discovered a fire in a back room of the house in Melbourne, Australia.

Thanks to the actions of the rabbit, the couple was able to escape unharmed.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade commander Mick Swift said: "The rabbit saved the couple from injury."

The blaze caused substantial damage to the house before it was extinguished by firefighters.