One Direction's Liam Payne branded a hero after his quick thinking ‘saved friend’s life’ when his flat balcony went up in flames

He was caught up in a nightmare explosion earlier this week.

Liam Payne has been branded a hero after he saved his friends life after balcony explosion. Copyright [Wenn]And now it has emerged that Liam Payne is a hero after his quick thinking saved his friend's life when the One Direction star’s balcony went up in flames.

The 20-year-old’s school friend Andy Samuel was engulfed in flames after a gas lantern he was lighting exploded.

[Liam Payne's balcony goes up in flames after nightmare explosion]

He suffered from 20% burns on his arms, legs and chest but according to his stepfather Matthew Baker, Andy could have been much more seriously injured if it wasn’t for Liam.

He told The Daily Mirror: "We are so grateful to Liam because he saved his life.

"The lantern just exploded as Andy was lighting it and it took the full force of the flames. 

Liam Payne's quick thinking saved friend Andy's life. Copyright [AP]“Liam helped him by beating out the flames and dousing him with water. He acted quickly and swiftly."

Liam is reportedly still in shock over what happened.

Matthew continued: "What happened was absolutely awful. My son is very poorly. I've spoken to Liam on the phone and he told me exactly what happened. 

Liam Payne is still shocked about the fire. Copyright [Wenn]“He is very shocked himself. It's bad enough but it could have been a lot worse."

Two other attendees at Liam’s flat were also taken to hospital to be treated for superficial burns.

An ambulance and fire brigade were called after the explosion with it taking 35 fire fighters to put out the fire that has since destroyed Liam’s balcony.

It seems that pop has a new hero.