POLICE are investigating a suspected arson attack on an off licence in Carr Road, Nelson, early today.
Firefighters were called to Gillian's Off Licence at 2.45am to find the premises and living accommodation well alight.
Leading Firefighter Mark Doggett said: "Someone had forced entry and started fires in a couple of places in the house behind the shop.
"The shop and house are badly fire damaged.
"We called out one of the fire investigation dog Cracker, a black Labrador, to check the place out for accelerants in the early hours."
Police scenes-of-crime officers have also been investigating the cause of the fire and joiners were today blocking off the windows and doors with wood.
The owner is understood to be on holiday in Tenerife.
She is expected back tomorrow and her brother has been looking after the shop.
Picture: A police officer stands guard outside the badly damaged premises in Carr Road, Nelson
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