FIRE investigators were today probing a blaze at an Indian restaurant last night.

Four fire engines were called to the blaze at Rajas Asian Restaurant, Market Street, Colne, at 9.30pm and battled for several hours to put out the flames.

The road was closed to allow emergency vehicles near the restaurant and was reopened at 1.30am today.

Two fire engines from Colne attended the scene and firefighters from Burnley were also called in to assist.

The environmental protection unit was also used.

It is believed the damage to Rajas, which was shut at the time, was largely smoke-related.

There was also some water damage to the Ethel Austin shop which is directly beneath the restaurant, which remained closed today.

Colne Inspector Martin Holleran said: "An officer saw smoke coming from the premises at about 9.25pm.

"He went to have a look but was beaten back by the smoke so he didn't go in.

"The fire scene investigators attended as well as the crime scene examiners and inquiries are still on-going.

"It is not being treated as suspicious at this time."

Owner of the restaurant Qamar Zaman said he had no idea how much damage had been caused by the fire.

He would be going to the restaurant to assess the situation this afternoon

He said: "I own the Pizza Joint nearby as well and I was working in there when it happened.

"The first I knew about it was when the police and fire engines arrived and everyone was running towards it.

"You can't see much from the ground because it is on the first floor.

"I could just see a lot of black smoke filling the windows.

"Luckily there was no-one inside because we only open between Thursday and Sunday.

"I don't know how much it will cost yet or whether we will have to stay closed.

"I will have to speak to the fire people."

Nobles Amusements and Farmfoods, which are either side of Ethel Austin, managed to escape any damage.