Dramatic pictures as fierce fire guts home on St Anne's Road in Widnes

Thick black plumes could be seen for miles as a semi-detached brick-built property on St Anne’s Road went up in flames.

Residents watched in horror as a large number of fire engines turned up to fight the blaze shortly after 6pm yesterday, Tuesday.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus initially went into the house to tackle the fire with hose reel jets, while main water jets were aimed outside and at the roof.

Three fire engines and an aerial appliance were dispatched to tackle the fierce fire (Image: Newsquest)

However, crews had to withdraw when the roof collapsed.

Undeterred, firefighters continued to work under emergency lighting until the burning subsided at around 8pm.

Roads were cordoned off as firefighters tackled the blaze (Image: Newsquest)

All the neighbouring streets were cordoned off as three fire engines and an aerial ladder platform battled to bring the fire under control.

People gathered outside their homes speculating about what could have caused such a ferocious blaze.

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight (Image: Newsquest)

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight.

A meeting is being held with building control this morning, Wednesday, to assess the stability of the house.

An investigation will begin when the structure is deemed safe to enter.