DETECTIVES are interviewing a number of youths in connection with an arson attack on a house in Thorn Street, Burnley.

The youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have not been charged with any offence and police inquiries into the blaze are continuing.

Scenes of crime officers investigated the fire, which destroyed a living room yesterday.

Crew were initially told that there could be someone in the house and so searched the property wearing breathing equipment, but found no-one. The householder turned up later.

They were called at 7.25pm yesterday and found flames leaping through the downstairs window which had broken with the heat.

Sub Officer Neil Ashworth said: "The front room and contents were destroyed and there was severe fire damage to the dining kitchen and damage by smoke to the rest of the property.

"The fire started in the living room but it was intense and of doubtful origin so police are investigating.

"We had to evacuate people from the two properties either side."