AN investigation is underway into the cause of a house fire which firefighters spent several hours fighting this morning.

The fire broke out in the bedroom at the property on Lords Fold, Rainford Flames spread to the roof space, measuring 20 metres by five metres, and the house was well alight when firefighters arrived shortly after 9.30am.

Crews gave oxygen to a 51-year-old woman, who suffered suspected smoke inhalation.

Engines from St Helens and Kirkby community fire stations were called and Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service provided back up.

It was 2.45pm by the time the fire service had left.

Watch Manager Jim Brammeier, of St Helens Community Fire Station, said: "Fire crews worked extremely hard under difficult and challenging conditions.

"Crews experienced challenges extinguishing the fire due to the extensive fire spread in the roof space and because they were unable to fight the fire internally."

There was fire damage to the first floor, the roof and ground floor.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. It is the second fire in Rainford in the space of two days.

On Monday a partially built property on Sidings Lane was damaged by fire.