A FIRE has badly damaged a terraced house and two adjoining properties in Bury.

The fire broke out a property in East Street last night.

Crews were called at 10.45pm last night, February 23.

The fire is thought to have started on the first floor and spread to the roof space of the property.

The property was unoccupied when the fire started.

The fire spread into the roof space of two adjoining properties either side.

Houses nearby were evacuated, but one of the houses was unoccupied due to the female occupant being on holiday.

The woman’s mother, who didn’t wish to be named, said the fire brigade had had to force the door on the property in order to gain entry and prevent the fire spreading through the roof space.

Other houses neighbouring the property were evacuated following the fire.

Firefighters at the scene have warned that the house's roof is unsafe and that East Street will remain shut for the majority of the day.

A joint police and fire investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched this morning.