A MAN has been questioned by police in connection with a blaze which raged through a Blackpool flat leaving two children fighting for their lives.

The man, who is believed to be local, was yesterday questioned by detectives investigating the blaze which broke out at a flat on Dickson Road in the resort at around 8pm on Sunday.

Both police and neighbours had tried to rescue the two children - a seven-year-old girl and her 18-month-old brother - from a second floor bedroom after helping three adults and the children's one-week-old baby brother to safety.

But they were quickly overcome by dense smoke and flames.

More than 40 firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and, wearing breathing apparatus, fought their way to the top of the building to save the unconscious children - who were not breathing.

After being resuscitated at the scene by paramedics, the children were taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital along with the other survivors.

They were later transferred to the intensive care unit at Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester where their condition is described as critical but stable.

Firefighters battled for over an hour to tackle the fire, using eight engines from Blackpool, South Shore and Bispham as well as a number of special support appliances from across the Fylde coast.

A joint police and fire and rescue investigation has failed to identify a definitive cause of the fire - which is believed to have started on the first floor of the building.

But investigators have confirmed they have ruled out a number of accidental causes and are following up leads.

A Blackpool police spokesman said: "Investigations are still on-going into the cause of the fire.

"We are still unable to confirm whether the fire may have been started deliberately.

"But a number of possible accidental causes have been ruled out by both ourselves and fire and rescue investigators. We have also questioned a man in connection with the incident and are following up a number of leads.

"But it is unlikely that anyone will be charged at this stage in the investigation."

The Citizen can reveal that the flats involved in the fire had come to the attention of planning officials just weeks before the fire.

Last month Blackpool Council's development control committee ruled the building - which consisted of a flat and three bedsits - was in breach of planning permission and upper floors would have to revert to office use.

In a report discussed by the committee on November 15 planning inspectors said the building provided a "sub-standard form of accommodation."

The building's owners were given a three month period to revert the site from living accommodation to its original purpose.

Blackpool police are now asking anyone who witnessed or may have information relating to the fire to contact them on 01253 293933 or, in confidence, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.