FIREFIGHTERS battled a shop blaze for an hour and a half on Queen Victoria Road in Burnley this morning.

It was believed that people were trapped in the living quaters of the end terraced shop when three appliances, two from Burnley and one from Nelson Fire Service, were called at 3:20am.

After investigation with breathing apparatus, nobody was found and all persons were accounted for.

A hose reel was used to extinguish the flames.

Police say the fire is being treated as suspicious.