FLAMES leapt from a row of terraces this afternoon after a fire spread through the roof space of several homes.

Residents in Lynwood Road, Revidge, claimed children playing in an upstairs bedroom started the fire at 2.10pm.

But firefighters, who are working flat out to contain the blaze, said they were still investigating the cause.

Coun Arshid Mahmood, who lives in Lynwood Road, said: “A neighbour saw smoke coming from a rear bedroom and rang 999.

“There were children inside and their mum was downstairs cooking.

“Thankfully they all managed to get out in plenty of time and there were no casualties.

“At its worst there were flames coming from the roof and thick smoke in the street.

"It was really dramatic.”

Next-door neighbours Wasim Ahmed, 33, and Miah Khan, 38, both returned to their homes to find a cordon around their properties.

Mr Ahmed, who was decorating and had been to get wallpaper, said: “We have heard that children playing with an electrical heater started the fire.

"It just spread from house to house and has caused a lot of damage.”

Four fire engines and a mobile command support unit from Blackburn and Darwen were sent to the scene.

An aerial platform ladder was used so the crews could tackle the flames from above.

Station manager Andy Taylor said the ‘severe fire’ had started in back bedroom, but the exact cause had not been established.

It is not thought to be suspicious.

He said: “The fire got into the roofspace and spread along to four other homes.

"It often happens with old houses where there are gaps between walls.

“We are speaking to witnesses, but our prime concern was to first put the fire out.

"The bedroom is gutted and the ceilings have fallen through. There’s a lot of damage.”