Oliver Moorhouse: inquest due to start today into death of Blackpool sea rescue hero

Oliver Moorhouse died at the scene at Layton station after he was struck by a train on May 24.

In the days following his tragic death, Blackpool paid tribute to the Oliver, who was 27 at the time and risked his own life to save two young boys from drowning in the sea near Central Pier three years ago.

The heroic rescue was in July 2019, when Oliver was working as a security guard on the pier when he heard nine-year-old Isaac Kitson and his friend screaming for help from the choppy waters below.

The boys had got into trouble in the water and were clinging desperately to the pier as they were battered by strong waves.

Oliver ran down the pier and onto the beach and dove into the sea to rescue them.

He managed to drag one of the youngsters back to shore but as he returned to the water to help the other, the boy was swept under the waves.

But Oliver was determined to save him and managed to grab his foot and keep hold of him as he swam against the tide towards a life ring someone had thrown into the sea.

He saved the lives of both boys that day before returning to finish his shift on the pier.

A few days later, young Isaac was reunited with his hero in a special assembly with the RNLI at Westminster Primary School.

The boy’s mum, Clair, said: “Oliver heard the screams of the children and he didn’t hesitate. He went straight in after them without a thought for himself.

“We arranged to meet at the school so we could thank him. It was so emotional, I wouldn’t let him go. I just hugged him and said ‘thank you for saving my son’s life’.

"We’re so grateful to him. I want the whole of Blackpool to know what a hero he is.

“Not all superheroes come in suits like Spiderman. Oliver is a real life hero.”