A BLAZE which broke out at a flat in Accrington is being treated as "suspicious" by firefighters.

The fire, which started around 1am, gutted the first floor of the flat in Hudson Street, Accrington.

Fire crews called to the scene were told there was someone inside but found the flat unoccupied when they arrived.

Accrington station officer Les Shaw said: "It was initially reported to us that there was someone inside but we searched the property and found no one.

"We have received information that there is one person occupying the flats, but we're not able to confirm that at this stage."

Station officer Shaw added: "We are treating this as a suspicious fire and it is under investigation."

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