A CARE home targeted by arsonists will be demolished, according to council chiefs.

Firefighters spent 12 hours tackling a blaze at Mowbray Day Centre, off Park Lee Road, Higher Croft, Blackburn, after it was allegedly torched by vandals on Sunday evening.

Angry residents demanded action in the wake of the fire and said the derelict former care home had become a vandalism hotspot during recent months.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council has pledged to take action.

Stephen Sloss, director of adult social services at the council, said: “Mowbray Lodge Day Centre was being prepared for demolition when it was vandalised and burnt down over the weekend.

“The day centre and the neighbouring Mowbray Lodge Hostel will be demolished as soon as possible.

“While it will have been distressing for residents to witness the fire it is important that the community continues to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour in and around the site on the run up to its clearance.

“We will step up security on the site while work continues.”