Two people were rescued from a fire that is believed to have killed eight puppies and caused a major road closure earlier today.

Firefighters from Leigh Fire Station were called to the scene on Chapel Road, Leigh at around 9.20am on Sunday morning.

There they found a fire underway at a first floor flat between Astley Street and Warrington Road with smoke affecting two nearby buildings.

Watch manager Michael Fairhurst said: “There was a fire at a first floor flat and there was smoke affecting properties in either side.

“Two people were rescued from an adjacent flat and we also rescued two adult dogs with ten puppies.

“Unfortunately, only two of the puppies survived.

“There were no injuries to either of the people we rescued.”

The road was closed between Astley Street and Warrington Road as firefighters with seven appliances went about their task while police officers were also called to the scene.

As of around 1pm the road has been reopened but emergency services remain on the scene. 

Watch manager Fairhurst said: “We’re still on the scene now and a fire investigation is ongoing.

“It looks to have been something electrical.”

Anyone who believes a fire may be underway in their area is encouraged to call 999 immediately.