Sleeping children were forced to flee from homes in Partington after a suspected 'reckless' early hours arson attack.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at a house on Devon Street just before 4am on Saturday (December 12).
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and no-one was injured but damage was caused to three properties.
Two men have been arrested following the incident in Trafford.
The incident is being treated as arson and is believed to have started at the back of one of the properties before spreading up into the loft area.
Children were present and sleeping in their beds at the time of the attack.
Two men - aged 49 and 47 - have now been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the arson attack to come forward.
Detective Sergeant John Seaton, of GMP's Trafford district, said: "This fire spread across three separate properties where children were present, sleeping in their beds at the time.
"Fortunately no one was injured during this reckless attack, however the consequences of this fire could have been disastrous.
"Although we have made two arrests, our investigation is still ongoing and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this attack or have any information surrounding this fire to please contact police as soon as possible."
In a statement on Saturday, GMFRS said: "At 3.40am on Saturday, December 12 firefighters were called to reports of a fire on Devon Road in Partington.
"Four fire engines from Lymm, Sale, Altrincham and Irlam quickly attended the scene.
"The fire involved the roof space of a domestic property, which spread to neighbouring properties.
"Firefighters used hose reels and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire and were at the scene for eight hours."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7527 quoting incident number 453 of 12/12/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
