A man has been jailed for setting fire to a house causing a huge explosion. 

Michael McGough appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The court was told how neighbours had heard at least one explosion from a house in Cardwell Street, Padiham, around 8am on January 3.

Lancashire Telegraph: Michael McGoughMichael McGough (Image: Lancs Police)

Firefighters attended the property at around 7.56am and found a fire which involved the ground floor of a domestic property.

One witness went to Cardwell Street to check on the safety of his mother who was a neighbour.

He saw a fire inside the house but withdrew when he heard an explosion.

Michael McGough, 49, of Cardwell Street, Padiham, was jailed for two years and 10 months.