TWO firefighters were taken to hospital after a roof collapsed on them while dealing with a fire in Earlestown.

The blaze swept through several houses on Cross Lane in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

The two firefighters were checking one of the properties for fire damage when the roof collapsed and debris fell through to the first floor.

Both were taken to Whiston Hospital with superficial injuries and were discharged later in the day.

A member of the public raised the alarm at 6.30am as they saw smoke pouring from a first floor flat in the row of terraced houses.

Families in neighbouring homes were evacuated, still in their pyjamas, as the blaze swept through the row of houses.

An eyewitness said: "There was no fire. It was the smoke spreading across the roofs."

Councillor Suzanne Knight visited the scene with St Helens Council leader Brian Spencer to speak to families affected.

She said: "Everybody is in a lot of shock at the moment but we are concerned about where families are to be re-homed. I think as the day progresses it will hit people more."

Fire investigators were on the scene and a fire dog has been used to detect whether any substances were used to start the fire.

The evacuated families are currently being found alternative accommodation by friends and family.

Eight fire engines from as far as Kirkby attended and police blocked off Cross Lane.

A spokesman from Merseyside Fire Service said: "The fire stopped at the end of the terraces. Owners are requesting to pick personal possessions after they had to leave their houses."

Many of the homes hit by the fire have had part of the roofs collapse from the smoke damage and ceiling tiles littered a side street next to the Far East takeaway.

If you were affected contact Vicki Stockman on 434122.