Heroic neighbour helps mother and toddler escape burning home

A neighbour has helped a mother and a toddler flee a house fire at South Melbourne.

They rushed to the aid of the family as their home on Coventry Street went up in flames, late on Wednesday afternoon.

The heroic neighbour helped the toddler and his mum escape via a balcony.

Another occupant of the home fled the blaze through the laneway at the rear.

All four people, including the toddler, were treated for smoke inhalation and were last night in hospital in a stable condition.

More than 40 fire fighters battled the blaze bringing it under control just before 6pm.

The cause is under investigation but it is not being treated as suspicious.