A BLAZE at a Pendle nightclub, which caused up to £200,000-worth of damage, was an arson attack.

A joint investigation by fire and police officers found three seats of fire inside the Phoenix club, formerly known as Blueberrys, Holme Street, Nelson.

Police took away forensic evidence from the club, which was gutted by the fire on Friday night, including a petrol can, a petrol-soaked rag and other items.

The blaze destroyed the inside of the club which is underneath the Admiral shopping centre.

Divisional Officer Mick Frankland, of the fire brigade, said: "Fortunately, there is a concrete floor between the club and the rest of the building which kept the fire contained, otherwise it could have been disastrous.

"The metal security shutter doors were blown off. It looks like petrol fumes built up inside the club, which has a low ceiling, and then exploded. If firefighters had been trying to get in at the time they could have been killed." Police scenes of crime officers and the fire brigade's sniffer dog spent much of Saturday at the scene.

"It would appear from the evidence we gathered that there were three seats of fire in the premises," explained DO Frankland. "It would also appear the building was broken into before the fire started.

"Whoever did this probably thought they had done a good job. Quite often, any evidence goes up in flames, but one of the fires didn't ignite and evidence was left behind."

DO Frankland estimated the damage at between £150,000 and £200,000.

The club was due to re-open in time for Christmas and the Millennium after being closed for more than a year.

About 30 firefighters tackled the blaze after smoke was seen pouring from the club. No-one was inside. Surrounding streets were closed for three hours while the fire was tackled.

A club spokesman declined to comment on the attack.

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