Firefighters were forced to break into a Bishopdale flat prevent a fire while the couple inside slept.
Neighbours raised the alarm at 7.45am on Thursday when they saw smoke escaping from a Veronica Pl flat, alerting the Fire Service there might be people inside.
They also heard the smoke alarm.
When firefighters arrived they banged on the door to alert anyone who was inside.
When there was no response they cut their way through safety latches on a window and climbed in.