TWO office workers had to run into the street when fire broke out at a mortgage firm.

They discovered the blaze in an empty room at the Pathfinders Mortgage and Finance company and fled outside into Derby Street.

A neighbouring grocery shop in the terraced block of commercial properties also had to be evacuated. Computers, a fax machine and other equipment were destroyed.

Sub officer Dave Fraser Jones, of Bolton Central fire station, said: "One room was badly damaged by fire and two others were smoke damaged.

"Firefighters faced a fierce blaze when they arrived. The heat was very intense.

"Windows smashed and quite a lot of equipment was destroyed."

Members of the public gathered in the street to watch the drama, which began shortly before lunchtime yesterday.

It is believed the blaze was caused by an electrical fault.