Two fire engines were sent to the home of the 21-year-old Italy international in Mottram St Andrew, Macclesfield, just after midnight today after the alarm was raised.

They found a fire in the bathroom on the first floor of the detached property.

Four firefighters arrived wearing breathing apparatus and used two hose reel water jets to douse the flames, and a large fan was deployed to clear smoke.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews managed to put the fire out within half an hour of arriving but remained at the scene until 2.45am to prevent any possible flare-ups.

"Smoke alarms were fitted at the property and the occupiers were able to get out unharmed. The fire was caused by a firework."

The cause of the blaze is being examined by fire investigators and police but is not being treated as suspicious.