A BOLTON woman who made the news headlines following an alleged affair with footballer Wayne Rooney, had to be rescued from her home when a blaze broke out.

Firefighters forced their way into the house of Jennifer Thompson after a candle set fire to window blinds as she slept.

The fire broke out at the house in Queensgate, Heaton, just before 9pm on Sunday.

Miss Thompson, aged 22, was pulled to safety by firefighters, then checked over by paramedics but escaped injury in the blaze.

Last night a friend of Miss Thompson paid tribute to the firefighters, who were called out after a fire alarm at the home went off.

She said: “Jennifer would like to thank the local fire service for their swift response. They made the situation a lot better by their presence. She hopes this example points out the importance of smoke alarms in all homes.”

The blaze broke out when a tealight left on a windowsill set blinds on fire. It damaged a double glazed window and the rest of the house suffered slight smoke damage.

Watch manager Ady Taylor said: “The fire was an accident but people should use common sense when using candles, keep them away from curtains and fabrics and ensure they are in a proper holder.”

Fire engines from Bolton Central and Bolton North attended and four firefighters led Miss Thompson to safety.

Crews were on the scene for around 20 minutes.

The fire happened just two days after paramedics were called to the address following reports Miss Thompson had taken an overdose.

That came a week after Miss Thompson was arrested at her home after being caught with drugs and drugs paraphernalia.

She was given a caution for possession of cannabis.

Last year, Miss Thompson featured in national newspaper reports that said she was a high-class escort who had had an affair with Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney.