SCORES of people had to be evacuated last night after arsonists set fire to garages in Colne containing a highly explosive gas.

A block of nine domestic garages in Bankfield Street were set on fire at around 8pm. When firefighters arrived, they were told there were oxycetalene gas cylinders inside.

Police were immediately called in to evacuate the area and set up a 200m exclusion zone.

Residents were initially taken to Pendle Leisure Centre but were all later found alternative accommodation with friends and relatives or in hotels.

Although some were allowed back into their homes under supervision to collect any essentials, such as medication, the cordon is expected to be lifted until teatime today.

A resident of Peel Road said: "We heard the commotion outside and then the police came round and told us to get up to the leisure centre. Luckily we have relations who live nearby and we were able to go and stay with them over night.

"But obviously it has been quite unsettling and we are looking forward to being allowed back into the house."

Another resident said: "It's a bit bewildering because we were just settling in for the night, but everyone has been very kind."

Nelson fire station officer Nick Isherwood said because the gas was so dangerous firefighters also had to be withdrawn from the immediate area.

He said: "The standard procedure for this type of gas is to get as much water on it as possible and then withdraw the crew.

"The gas is very, very explosive and can be triggered by heat. At this stage we think the fire was deliberate."