POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack on a house in Devonport Road, Blackburn.

Firefighters were called to the unoccupied house at 8.30pm yesterday after a fire started in the cellar.

The blaze caused severe damage to the room which was underneath the kitchen and officers had to remove the ceiling.

Sub officer Eric Trotter said: "The house is furnished but has been unoccupied for a few weeks.

"Someone has obviously gone into the cellar and set it alight."

Officers were at the scene until about 10pm.