FIRE chiefs have called for improved security at a disused church after arsonists targeted the building for the third time in two months.

Officers say it is only a matter of time before the historic Sacred Heart church, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, becomes the the centre of a major incident. Crews spent an hour and a half tackling the blaze in the rectory and another room, which was destroyed by the fire at 9.30pm yesterday.

The church, which is earmarked for demolition, was targeted by arsonists last month , and earlier this week firefighters were called to the building where they found three fires upstairs.

Sub officer Steve Harrison said last night's fire would have been a major incident if the flames had spread. "This is the third time in six to eight weeks and twice in the last two days. It's only through sheer luck on our part they haven't got it going properly because it had been burning some considerable length of time but it hasn't broken through anywhere fortunately.

"It's just waiting to happen. It's full of furniture and all the fittings are still in there. I thought last night was going to be the night but it will go eventually unless something is done. It needs securing properly really. A lot of the openings are still not boarded up. If it goes up it will be a major incident. We have been lucky twice and been able to contain it to one room."

Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's police commander, said: "I'm very concerned. The community beat manager for that area will be keeping an eye on the church. I would ask children and young people not to go near this site.

"It will cause a danger to them and other members of the community should there be a large fire."