A SUSPECTED arson attack caused extensive damage to a mid-terrace house in Blackburn.
Police said that yobs had gone to “significant lengths” to start the blaze.
A joint investigation with Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Constabulary is now underway into the blaze at 6.15am on Wednesday.
No one was hurt in the fire at Fawcett Close, Bank Top, which happened while the owner of the house was away.
DS Mark Winstanley said: “Early indications are that the fire was started deliberately and the person responsible appears to have gone to significant lengths to damage the house.
“I appeal to anyone who knows who was responsible or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact the police.”
Witnesses are now being asked to come forward with any information they may have.
The majority of fire and heat damage was caused to the first floor hallway, staircase and landing. The rest of the house was severely smoke damaged.
Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 6pm on Tuesday and 6am on Wedmesday if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here