Major fire spreads across three homes

The fire affected three properties in Mow Cop, on the Staffordshire-Cheshire border

Properties may experience power outages following a major weekend blaze that spread across three homes, a fire service has said.

Emergency crews received reports of flames on Station Road in Mow Cop, near Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, at about 17:30 BST on Sunday.

Nine fire engines were sent to the scene where two detached bungalows were alight, and a third two-storey house sustained significant damage to a garage.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all residents were accounted for.

A spokesperson said an investigation was ongoing, and that there were still crews on the scene on Monday.

The service, they said, believed the fire started accidentally, with wind conditions causing it to spread.

They added that as a result of the blaze, about 20 neighbouring properties may experience power outages due to the electrical isolation of the affected properties.

"Utility companies are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible," they said. "We have been told that phone lines in the area are not affected."

The road was closed, and residents were advised to avoid the area and close their windows and doors due to the large amount of smoke.