Fire trap

Photo: ANTHONY MILLER

BLAZE probe . . . police and fire officers investigate

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Blaze probe as 11 are rescued from flats terror

neighbouring families are recovering in hospital after becoming trapped in flats when flames blocked their only escape route.

Firefighters rescued the 11 terrified residents from third-floor flats in Rochdale Road, Coldhurst, at 6.40am today.

Fire crews were called after a smoke alarm alerted residents to a blaze in the stairwell. The Latif and the Ali families were led to safety before being taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Watch Commander Mike Harris, from Chadderton fire station, said: “The cause is not yet known.

“There will be a full investigation by police and fire scene investigators. A family-of-five and a family-of-six were rescued and conveyed to hospital.”

Residents suspect arsonists are to blame.

Neighbour Abdul Malik, who knows both families, said: “There was no way of getting out. I am very concerned — it’s happened before and it’s very serious.”

Mr Malik added: “I have concerns over the security of the flats.

“It is a call entry system and I don’t think it is always secure.”

The entrance hallway to the flats suffered extreme smoke damage and several windows blew out during the blaze.

Rochdale Road was closed at its junctions with Coldhurst Street and Belmont Street while the fire was brought under control.