A FIRE broke out in a empty house last night with an investigation into its cause underway.

Three fire engines were sent to a detached house on Greenleigh Close in Astley Bridge at around 9.30pm after reports from neighbours that a blaze could be seen from the back door of the property.

Crews arrived and used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the flames, which were in the utility room of the house and then spread to a room upstairs through the ceiling.

Firefighters were on the scene until 12.30am today as fire investigators examined the property as they work to discover what caused it.

No-one was reported to have been hurt.

Bolton North watch manager Crag Cubbins said the utility room will have to be completely replaced and smoke damage has spread throughout the house.

Mr Cubbins said: "The fire was reported due to the vigilance of neighbours who could see it from the back door.

"Six firefighters with breathing apparatus and two hose reels put out the fire.

"We then had to preserve the scene while the fire investigators were there.

"The whole building was damaged by smoke.

"The fire had also gone through the floorboards in the ceiling."

Mr Cubbins says that the blaze could have been restricted if fire safety measures were in place and that the incident acts as a warning for home occupants.

He added: "Residents must make sure their smoke alarms work and that they close their doors in the house to prevent the spread of a fire in other rooms."

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for more information about the investigation.

If you have any information contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.