Houses evacuated after roof fire in Wigan

Up to 30 firefighters have been tackling a fire which has spread to a number of houses in Wigan.

Crews from Wigan, Hindley, Atherton and Horwich fire stations were called to Hodges Street at 10:10 GMT.

The fire, which started in a mid-terraced house, spread to four other adjacent properties which had to be evacuated.

A man escaped the fire and was treated at the scene for the effects of breathing in smoke.

An engine with an aerial platform was also called from Bolton to help prevent the fire spreading.

Paul Duggan, spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: "The fire took hold in one of the bedrooms, gone up into the loft space and then spread to a number of adjacent houses as well.

"Firefighters have contained the fire but the upshot is that people from adjacent houses have had to be temporarily evacuated."

Greater Manchester Fire Service officials said they were working with Wigan Council to help those people affected.