ONE man was rescued and a firefighter was injured after a suspected early morning arson attack on flats in Burnley.

Scenes of crimes officers and the Fire and Rescue Service sniffer dog were at the scene in Manchester Road today as investigations continued into the incident.

Owner Andrew Hennessey, 38, said: "We are still carrying out work on another part of the building following another arson attack last year. That cost £100,000 and this looks like being as bad."

He added: "I was called out at 3am. It is more than upsetting, it is terrible. We have had a problem around here for quite a few weeks with children smashing windows. At one point police had them lined up against a wall and told them if they came back they would be arrested. The fire last year was definitely arson but no-one was charged. Now someone has been back and done it again."

This morning's fire started in the ground floor of a large terrace house converted into flats near to the junction with Piccadilly Road.

Fire crews were alerted shortly before 1am.

Station Officer Dave Jackson said: "We found the premises to be well alight on both the ground and first floor with the second floor smoke-logged We were told there were people inside."

A man in his twenties had to be rescued from from the first floor of adjacent smoke-filled flats at the side of the fire damaged building.

Mr Jackson said: "He was at the window when we arrived. We broke in and led him to safety. He was taken to hospital suffering from the affects of smoke inhalation."

Four people had already got out of the blazing building and as firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the property two more residents made their own way to safety.

Officers from four fire appliances, two Burnley, one Padiham and one Nelson, assisted by the control unit from Accrington, fought the blaze which spread into the roof.

A firefighter from the Padiham machine suffered a bruised hand when he was hit by falling plaster. He was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment and later returned to duty.

Fire crews were at the scene until 4.30am and made return visits to carry out periodic inspections.

Mr Jackson added: "The fire started downstairs and spread to involve the rest of the property.

"We believe it to be of suspicious origin and investigations are continuing."

Det Sgt Dave Fleming said: "Officers have been protecting the scene. Our investigations are continuing."