Fire crews tackling serious house blaze in Billy Lane, Clifton

Crews were called to the semi-detached home in Billy Lane, Clifton, at 11.30am.

Flames and smoke could be seen billowing out of the property. 

Darren McGuire, watch manager at Agecroft Fire Station, said: "The house was alight when we got there but the mother and the daughter had got out the premises before we got there.

"We used four firefighters in breathing apparatus to put the fire out.

"We're putting it down as an electrical fire but fire investigators are on seen trying to establish the exact cause."

The fire is believed to have began in the downstairs meter cupboard in the front room and the two occupants noticed the smoke and left the house before the working smoke alarms sounded.

Mr McGuire said: "Most of the property - upstairs and downstairs - has been affected by smoke and fire damage.

"It was quite a severe fire."

Due to the danger of the electrical and gas supplies, fire crews had to remain on site until engineers had made the property safe before they went in to check for any remaining hotspots.

A spokesman for the fire service reminded people to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their properties.

Mr McGuire said the fire service will come out and fit smoke alarms if they are contacted.