Mother is held after house fire

Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 17 September 2008


A MOTHER has been arrested after her six children were found alone in a burning house.

Firefighters had to carry the terrified youngsters — aged from eight months to 11 — from the property at Yasmin Gardens, Westhulme, shortly before 10 o’clock last night.

Neighbours, who have reported concerns about the children’s welfare, said the woman had put a wok on a cooker while the youngsters were in bed, before temporarily leaving the house and locking the door.

She arrived home around 10 minutes later to find that a tragedy had been narrowly averted, and was arrested by police.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I saw the firefighters running around the house. I saw one kick in the front door and then they ran in and rescued the children. They got there just in time.

“The firefighters had had a phone call saying there was a blaze in the kitchen but they did not know there were people inside until they got to the property.

“I can’t understand how someone spotted it as the smoke was coming from the back. I was worried for the children’s safety but I have been told they are fine.

“We have always had concerns for the children’s welfare on this estate. Social services is involved. Something should have happened a long time ago.

“She sends the little ones to school on their own. They are aged six and seven and have to cross the main road to get to school.”

Chadderton fire station watch manager Mike Harris said: “It was quite smoky upstairs and we had to send in crews wearing breathing apparatus to search for the children. They were found in a bedroom upstairs.

“We carried them out and they were taken to hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

“You should never leave food unattended while cooking.”

This morning the front and back doors of the house were boarded up. The kitchen and cooker were badly damaged and the rest of the house was smoke damaged.

A police spokesman said: “A woman aged 36 has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and remains in police custody for questioning.”

There was a smoke alarm that was activated but firefighters will now carry out safety checks in the area.