AN investigation into the cause of an early morning Winnington Lane fire is underway.

Three homes were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze and cleared smoke.

Two fire crews – from Northwich and Winsford – were called to reports of an outbuilding fire at 12.32am today, Wednesday.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The fire involved a brick outbuilding attached to a domestic property.

"Crews, one wearing breathing apparatus, isolated the gas and electric to the property and then extinguished the fire used a hose reel jet and a covering jet.

"Three properties were evacuated with the help of the crews and smoke was cleared from a neighbouring property using a large fan.

"Crews were in attendance for three and a half hours and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway."