Family saved by smoke alarm during house blaze

The house which has been badly damaged in the blaze was empty when firefighters arrived

More than 30 firefighters have tackled a blaze which gutted a house after it broke out in the attic.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said a smoke alarm saved the lives of the occupants of a house in Blackpool when it broke out on Thursday afternoon.

The fire in Normoss Avenue had caused significant damage to the building, it said.

Neighbour Pauline Hutley said the community had rallied around to help as those who had escaped the fire were "distraught" by what had happened.

Ms Hutley added: "The fire was scary but it was lovely to see people turn out and comfort them."

Kevin Warwick from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said:"Thankfully the people escaped prior to our arrival.

"They had had fire alarms fitted which did alert the occupants."

An investigation into the cause of the blaze has begun.