FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze in the loft of a Wirral house which threatened to spread to a neighbouring property.

A suspected electrical fault is thought to have casused the fire at a semi-detached property in Edgewood Drive, Eastham on Monday night.

The fire service control room received six calls in the space of five minutes about the fire.

The loft and its contents was severely damaged by fire, heat and smoke.

Around 20% of the loft of a neighbouring property was also damaged by smoke.

Watch manager David Simpson, who is based at Bromborough Community Fire Station and attended the fire, said: "It was quite an intense fire.

"You could see the smoke from the roof as we approached.

"A neighbour knocked on the door of the house and informed the occupier there was smoke coming from the roof. The occupier left the house when she was informed.

"Around 70% of the loft and its contents was severely damaged by fire.

"We would advise people to use common sense in the amount and weight of objects stored in lofts."

The fire was extinguished by 6.47pm and damping down operations were carried out.

Smoke alarms were present at the property but did not activate due to a lack of smoke.

Firefighters also carried out a Home Fire safety check at the neighbouring property.

A fire engine from Bromborough Community Fire Station and one from Birkenhead Community Fire Station attended the call-out.