Flat fire victim fights for life

AN ELDERLY man is fighting for his life in hospital after being rescued by firefighters from his burning flat.

A passer-by alerted the fire service after hearing a smoke alarm in Engine Street, Chadderton, at 12.40am today.

Crews from Chadderton and Hollins fire stations arrived and forced entry into the flat and hauled out the pensioner.

He had breathed in a large amount of smoke and was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and then transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital at 5.30am. The victim is in intensive care.

Firefighters have been left puzzled over the cause of the blaze, which began in the living room of the first-floor flat. There was severe smoke damage and a fifth of the room’s content was destroyed .

The investigation continues.