A MAN has been air lifted to hospital and residents evacuated after a fierce blaze swept through a house in Runcorn.

Firefighters are tackling a fire on Stone Barn Lane in Palacefields which has already gutted the roof and first floor.

Several houses have been evacuated as a precaution while crews await the arrival of British Gas technicians.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are still at the scene where the roof and upper floor have been severely damaged.”

The fire broke out at around 3.15pm.

Crews from Runcorn and Widnes are being assisted by teams from other areas.

Gas and electricity engineers carried out surveys at the scene.

An aerial appliance was used to clear loose debris from the area as the roof and upper floor were severely damaged.

Following a structural assessment by building control, the house was declared unsafe to enter.

Inspections were carried out externally using thermal imaging cameras to make sure there were no further areas of heat or fire.

A joint investigation between the fire and police will begin this morning.