A ROOF collapsed after a 'severe' fire ripped through a house.

Six fire crews from across East Lancashire were called to Martindale Close in Shadsworth, Blackburn, after a large fire broke out at the home at 7.50am.

The Westmorland Gazette:

Every room in the house had been badly damaged by the blaze and due to the intensity of the fire, the roof collapsed.

The house was taped off by the fire service as pieces of roof tiles were falling from the roof into the building.

The Westmorland Gazette:

The police and Electricity North West were also on hand to help the fire service.

There were eight Lancashire Fire and Rescue vehicles on hand throughout the morning while firefighters assessed the damage.

The Westmorland Gazette:

Burning embers could be seen inside the house and smoke blew over neighbouring Shadsworth Road.

A Martindale Close resident said: "I could see the flames from the house hitting the TV aerial.

"It was really scary. I looked out of my window and saw smoke everywhere and fire engines."

The neighbouring attached house suffered 'minimal' damage, which included damage to the felt in the roof.

The Westmorland Gazette:

Another Martindale Close resident said: "I woke up and saw all the fire engines. I was really worried about what was going on.

"I was worried about how the fire had started and if it would spread to other houses."

The Westmorland Gazette:

The Westmorland Gazette:

Firefighters used an aerial ladder to help gain an overview of the damage and make the house safe before entering.

Smoke extractors were placed around the front of the house to keep it from blowing into nearby houses.

The Westmorland Gazette:

The Westmorland Gazette:

A police spokesman said the fire was caused by an electrical fault and the officers would be taking part in an investigation with the fire service.

Steve Omar, watch manager at Blackburn Fire Station, said: "All the rooms have suffered damage as a result of this severe fire.

"While we were withdrawing the roof started to collapse so we have pulled all crews out of the building for safety.

"We are working with police."

The Westmorland Gazette: