RESIDENTS were evacuated from their flats after a fire in an electrical box.

The homeowners left the flats in Bromwich Street, Bolton, after a resident spotted flames in the mains box at 1am today.

The man who spotted the fire put the blaze out using a dry powder extinguisher before alerting three other residents in neighbouring flats.

A fire brigade spokesman said the fire caused only minimal damage. Workmen from United Utilities were called out to inspect the electric mains.