SOCIAL services bosses had been involved with the welfare of six children rescued from a burning house where they were left 'home alone'.

Police today released the children's mother on bail after she had been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

The youngsters, aged between eight months and 11, were left trapped and with no adult supervision when a wok caught fire in the kitchen of their semi.

Fire crews smashed into the house and carried them to safety. Their mother, Jusmna Rani, aged 36, arrived at the scene minutes later.

Care chiefs have confirmed that the family was known to them and that they had been `working with them'.

Neighbours on Yasmin Gardens, in Westhulme, Oldham, described how residents launched rescue attempts before firefighters arrived.

Alfu Miah, 40, a bouncer whose five children live next door, said: "Luckily, a lad who lives behind the house noticed smoke coming from the kitchen.

"He was banging on the door, one of the kids was shouting from the bedroom window."

Mr Miah said that Ms Rani had three other teenage boys.

Another neighbour described seeing `tiny hands' pressing against upstairs windows during the fire and said she heard children's screams.

She added: "The fire service did a great job."

A Oldham council spokeswoman said social services were aware of concerns and had been working with the family.

She added: "We would like to give a reassurance that the six children involved in a house fire in Oldham are safe and being looked after while investigations into the circumstances are taking place." Oldham fire chief Geoff Harris praised the work of the firefighters. He added that officers were visiting neighbours and handing out advice.

"All the houses here are fitted with smoke alarms," he said.


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