FIREFIGHTERS who tackled a house blaze at the weekend have slammed motorists who turned a drama into a crisis - by double parking down a narrow Horwich street.

One fire engine had to go down a back street to get at the blaze on Mary Street East. The other was forced to park near the end of the road and carry equipment down the street.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "The parking caused real problems for us because there was no way we could get down the street with the cars parked on either side.

"We have reported this sort of thing to the police before and we have gone up there advising people what sort of gap to leave but it doesn't seem to make any difference."

It is not known how the blaze started. It began in a loft converted into a bedroom which was badly damaged.

A woman was taken to hospital suffering from burns to her arm but was released after treatment. Homeowner, Elaine Nelson said she was too distressed to talk about the blaze.

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