THREE cars were targeted in a suspected early morning arson attack in Blackburn.

Police said a man forced fuel caps on the vehicles before putting in rags and trying to set them alight.

One of the cars, a Vauxhall Astra, was severely damaged in Park Lee Road around 2.50am yesterday.

Officers said a second Astra, which was parked at the side of the road in Glasson Avenue, was targeted, and a red Fiat Punto, also parked in Park Lee Road, also attacked.

No damage was caused to these vehicles.

A police spokeswoman said an investigation had been launched and that images from CCTV cameras were being studied. It is believed the attacks were random.

She also asked for a man, who was seen in the area and was described as being white, of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a white emblem on the chest area of his top, to come forward to help detectives with their inquiries.

She said: “We believe this incident to have been an arson.

“Officers received a call from the fire service, who had gone to Park Lee Road because a vehicle had been set on fire. It appeared to be suspicious.

“It looks like some kind of cloth has been inserted into the petrol caps of the cars, which has then been lit. One car was badly damaged. There was no significant damage to two other vehicles but officers came across the material in the petrol caps.”

Cllr Jamie Groves, who represents the Ewood ward, said: “It is dreadful to hear about this. It is shocking and hopefully the police will catch the culprit quickly.”

Call police on 101.