A family of seven were forced to flee from a fire in their home believed to have been started by a three-year-old.

Fire crews were called to the semi-detached property on Almond Close at about 0920 BST and found a first floor bedroom well alight.

The family were alerted by smoke alarms previously installed by officials from Greater Manchester Fire Service.

The fire service had received numerous calls about the fire, which was quickly brought under control.

The occupants - two adults and five children - escaped from the house before crews arrived after the smoke alarms sounded.

"It was these that raised the alarm and enabled the entire family to safely leave the burning building," a fire service spokeswoman said.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation. However it is believed to have been started deliberately by the three-year-old child living in the property."

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