A HOME in Leigh has been destroyed in an arson attack.

The fire broke out at the house in Gorse Walk at about 1.30am today.

No-one was in at the time of the fire, but it is believed to be the home of a young woman, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and police attended the scene and confirmed after an investigation that the fire was started deliberately.

Neighbour Brenda, who is 75 and lives with her son, said the fire was the most terrifying thing she had ever seen.

She said: "I heard banging on next door and then my son ran in the room and said that I had to get up and get dressed and get out because next door was on fire.

"It was terrible - my whole house was full of smoke and my fire alarm was going off.

"It was half past three before we were able to come back inside.

"It was terrifying, and next door on the other side have a young baby so it was frightening for her.

"There were fire brigade and ambulances all around.

"She can't come back to that house now, it's absolutely destroyed.

"It's the worst thing I have ever seen. It was awful to be woken up like that and told to get out because there was a fire.

"I have never seen anything like it in all my 26 years of living here."

Police have now launched an investigation after it was confirmed the blaze was started deliberately.

Another nearby resident, aged 20, who did not want to be named, was alerted to the fire by her partner who smelled smoke.

The mum, who has a two-year-old daughter, said: " I heard banging and then my partner looked outside and saw all the smoke.

"We just grabbed our daughter and got in the car and parked far away from it.

"If it is an arson attack it's not just her that the person has put in danger, it is all of us.

"We slept at my mum's last night because we were scared of coming back.

"I've only lived here a month - what a way to come in."

Three fire engines and 15 firefighters spent two hours putting the blaze out.

Police are investigating.

Det Sgt Neil Lawless said: “Fortunately no-one was in the house at the time, but it was a reckless act that put residents at a significant risk.

“Some homeowners were evacuated and I would like to thank them for their patience.

“If you saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area, or have any information that could help our investigation, please contact police.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.