RESIDENTS have been evacuated from their homes after a Crewe social club caught fire following a suspected arson attack.

The Crewe North Ward Workingmen's Club and Institute, Richmond Road, caught fire just before 6pm yesterday.

Some six homes nearby were evacuated as a precaution.

Police also closed off entry to the road as firefighters battled the blaze at the two-storey detached building.

Firefighters from Crewe, Congleton, Sandbach, Middlewich, Winsford and Holmes Chapel attended the blaze, which saw flames erupting out through the windows and thick black smoke engulfing the area.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "On arrival crews found part of the building already well alight and increased attendance to five pumps and an aerial appliance.

"Firefigthers wearing two breathing apparatus set started to tackle the fire and two main jets were also put in use.

"Residents in houses either side of the former club were evacuated while crews surrounded the blaze as it broke through the roof."

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the suspected arson attack.