FIRE CREWS were called after flames spread from a pot of unattended cooking and engulfed a kitchen.

The incident happened early yesterday afternoon at a flat in Manchester Road.

Seven people managed to escape from the burning building and one was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by paramedics.

Fire crews carried out a search for the occupier whom it turned out had left the property whilst cooking.

Following the incident, Bolton Central Community Fire Station crew manager Andy Bolton warned people to: "Take care when cooking and do not leave cooking unattended because it could have disastrous consequences."