Sutton: A rail company has offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of arsonists after a Sutton man choked to death while attempting to tackle the blaze.

Purley train station attendant Phillip Cable, 61, of Eaton Road, has been hailed a hero after fighting the flames on a train from Caterham as it arrived at Purley station at 11.15pm last Friday.

Friends say Mr Cable was being his "typical self" when he put the safety of others before his own and attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.

He leapt into action after a member of the public, who was waiting on the platform, said he could see a fire on the train.

But shortly after controlling it, he collapsed on the platform with breathing difficulties and later died at Mayday hospital.

Known as a "grafter" by his colleagues, he lived alone in Eaton Road and had worked in the rail industry for more than 30 years. His sister, who lives in Essex, was too distressed to talk to the press at this time.

Floral tributes and words of condolence have poured into Purley station, where he worked for eight years, while grieving friends, customers and colleagues have spoken of how he was "one of the family". A book of condolence was opened at the weekend to cope with hundreds of messages and memories from those who knew him.

An entry from Keith and Cassie Askem, fellow train drivers from Selhurst, read: "Phil was one of the nicest blokes on the railway. Always smiling, always helpful we'll miss him.

"I can't believe such a lovely, helpful man has lost his life," wrote Penelope Farries, who has used the station for 40 years.

And a notice from Purley colleagues spoke of the loss of a kind and reliable friend who helped create a happy environment for station staff.

South Central Trains is so horrified by Mr Cable's death that a £5,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the those responsible.

A spokesman for the company said Mr Cable died in the course of duty whilst courageously attempting to protect life and property.

And British Transport Police are treating his death with equal concern.

Senior investigating officer, Alan Jenkinson, said: "We cannot treat the death of Phillip in isolation and urgently want to find those responsible for the fire which caused his death."

Police are treating the fire as arson and appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 020 7391 5275.

An inquest was opened and adjourned in Croydon on Tuesday, July 9.

July 16, 2002 10:00