LIVE: CSI and fire crews on scene of devastating house fire with residents forced to flee homes as man is arrested on suspicion of arson - latest updates

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a devastating house fire in Whitefield.

A huge emergency services response was scrambled to the scene of the blaze on Melrose Close just before midnight last night (Saturday). The fire started in an outbuilding, before spreading to a home, the fire service said.

The occupier was out by the time crews arrived, a spokesperson for GMFRS added. Thick plumes of smoke could reportedly be seen in the area as the blazed ripped through the house.

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Neighbours had to be evacuated 'temporarily'. This morning, crime scene investigators are on the scene.

Pictures show the aftermath of the devastating fire, with the roof of the house left completely wrecked and the front of the building left burnt and charred. Police said a 59-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "At around 12am last night (30 July 2023), officers were called to reports of a fire at an address on Melrose Close in Whitefield, Bury. A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in police custody for questioning."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Just before midnight on Saturday 29 July, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a home on Melrose Close, Whitefield. Five fire engines and a hydraulic platform appliance from across Greater Manchester were mobilised to the incident.

"The fire began in an outbuilding and quickly spread to the roof space and first floor of the home. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used four jets and a high-pressure lance to extinguish the fire.

"The occupier was out of the house prior