POLICE were today continuing to probe the cause of a massive explosion and fire which rocked a residential street in Burnley.

Residents were evacuated and a bed-ridden pensioner rescued from her house following the blast in Marlborough Street earlier this month.

Emergency crews were called to the scene after members of the public reported hearing a loud explosion.

Neighbours were praised after helping police and fire crews break down the door of 78-year-old Ethel Watson's house and carry her to safety.

One building, believed to be used as a lock-up to store furniture, was badly damaged in the blaze and nearby properties were also affected.

Detectives and fire investigators launched an investigation to try and establish whether there was any criminal involvement in the blaze.

Det Con Tim Maddox, of Burnley CID, said: "We are treating the incident as suspicious and are continuing with our investigations alongside the fire service to see if we can establish how the fire started."