AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a 'deliberate' fire at a former opticians in Accrington.

Firefighters were called to the former offices, next to SW Allen Optical, in Dutton Street at 9.50pm last night.

Two appliances from Hyndburn Station attended and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus climbed a ladder to the first floor of the building and put the fire out.

Nobody was injured. The fire did not cause significant damage to the building.

A fire service spokesman confirmed the incident is being treated as arson.

The spokesman said: "Two fire engines and crews from Hyndburn turned out to a fire in derelict, formerly commercial premises.

"Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used a ladder for access to the first floor and extinguished the fire using a hosereel jet.

"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and police have been notified. There were no casualties."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.