SOCIAL services bosses have revealed that they are involved in the welfare of six children who had to be rescued from a burning house after allegedly being left ‘home alone’.

The children’s mother was arrested by police on suspicion of child neglect after the fire and has now been granted bailed until December 15. Borough care bossess have confirmed that the family was ‘known’ to them and that they had been "working with them" prior to the incident.

A spokeswoman for Oldham Council said: "We would like to give a reassurance that the six children involved in the house fire in Oldham are safe and being looked after while investigations into the circumstances are taking place."

The youngsters – aged between eight months and 11 years – are claimed to have been left with no adult supervision when the fire broke out in their semi-detached at 9.50pm last Tuesday. Fire crews had to smash into the house and carry the children to safety. Their 36-year-old mother, Jusmna Rani, is said to have arrived at the scene minutes later.

Neighbours on Yasmin Gardens, in Westhulme, described how local people launched rescue attempts to try and get to the trapped youngsters 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 and one of the kids was shouting from the bedroom window."

Feelings are running high among neighbours, with one having described seeing ‘tiny hands’ pressed against the upstairs windows during the fire. This neighbour also said she heard children’s screams. She added: "It was very upsetting. Thankfully, the fire service did a great job."

Oldham fire chief Geoff Harris also praised the work of his crews.

Mick Harris, Watch Commander at Chadderton Station, said: "The fire was in the kitchen and there were six children upstairs. We put the fire out and rescued the children."

Blaze investigators said it was a wok that had caught fire.

Mr Harris added: "This shows you should never leave food on a cooker unattended."

The children were taken to Booth Hall Hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation. The kitchen was extensively damaged.

It is understood that Ms Rani may have three other teenage children who were not present when the fire broke out.