A SMOULDERING heap of twisted wreckage was all that remained of Grab City amusement arcade this week after a huge fire engulfed the building on Monday.

Demolition crews worked to clear the site after a night of drama when more than 30 people were led to safety.

The blaze on Central Promenade was discovered at 00.35am by police who alerted fire crews.

"Initial indications were that persons were trapped on the premises which by this time were well ablaze," said a Lancashire Police spokesman.

Firefighters forced their way into the back of the building and rescued the arcade's manageress who was unhurt.

A further 30 people were moved from nearby flats, first to the local McDonald's's restaurant and then to a hotel where they spent the rest of the night.

Residents of the Pump and Truncheon pub close by were also moved.

Grab City was totally destroyed in the blaze which raged for several hours and damaged adjacent buildings.

The fire was so severe that an emergency plan, code-named Operation Merlin, was put into action by Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

At its height 15 fire crews were involved in tackling the blaze and the area was heavily affected by smoke and steam. Officers were still damping down at 8.30am on Monday.

The emergency prompted the closure of Bonny Street, Chapel Street and New Bonny Street, along with the southbound carriageway of the promenade. Tram services were also temporarily suspended.