TWO FIREFIGHTERS were taken to hospital after a roof collapsed on them while dealing with a fire in Earlestown.

The fire struck several houses on Cross Lane in the early hours of this morning.

The two firefighters were checking one of the properties for fire damage when the roof collapsed and debris fell through to the first floor.

Both were taken to Whiston Hospital with superficial injuries but were later discharged.

A member of the public raised the alarm at 6.30am as they saw smoke pouring from a first floor flat in the row of terraced houses.

Families in neighbouring homes were evacuated, still in their pyjamas, as the fire swept through the row of houses.

A spokesman from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire has stopped at the end of the terraces. Owners are requesting to pick some personal possessions after they had to leave their houses pretty quickly."

Many of the buildings hit by the fire have seen their roofs collapse from the smoke damage, and ceiling tiles littered a side street next to the Far East take away.

Cross Lane is still shut by police and an investigation is now underway into the cause of the fire.

The evacuated families are currently being found alternative accommodation by friends and family.