FIREFIGFHTERS forced their way into an end-terraced house in Oldham after an electrical fault sparked a blaze in a bedroom.

The young family occupying the home in Fleet Street were out at the time the crew from Oldham station was called out at 7pm on Monday, when a fire alarm went off in the house.

Watch manager Phil Stephenson issued a warning for other householders to check their smoke alarms are in working order.

“They really do save lives,” he said.