FIRE crews tackled a fierce blaze in the lounge of a house in Heys Road, Prestwich, on New Year's Day.

The fire, which is being treated as suspicious, destroyed a television and an assortment of furniture.

Fire officers, who were forced to break into the unoccupied home, prevented the blaze from spreading although the property was heavily smoke-logged.

Crews from Broughton and Whitefield were called out to the suspected arson attack at 5am on Sunday. It was discovered no-one was in the house. Police are now investigating.