DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after arsonists started a fire which partly gutted a popular nightspot.

The blaze at Martholme Grange, Altham, caused between £30,000 and £40,000 worth of damage last night.

Arsonists broke in through a downstairs bar window and are believed to have used a petrol-like substance to start the fire.

Firefighters discovered evidence of the substance, as well as canisters, firelighters and a blow torch, at the scene.

The Burnley Road venue was recently taken over by new owners who planned to carry out a £750,000 redevelopment of the former manor house.

Among the plans were a 46-bedroom hotel, leisure club, swimming pool and two restaurants.

Part of the building's ground floor bar and first floor restaurant was extensive fire and smoke damaged and other rooms were smoke logged.

An attempt was made to set fire to the adjoining nightclub by pouring a substance through an air vent on the roof but it proved unsuccessful.

The alarm was raised at 7pm by a passer-by who saw smoke and flames coming from the building. Fourteen Accrington firefighters attended the scene and quickly put the fire out. They remained at the scene for two hours.

The building was closed at the time.

Sub-officer Gary Monk said: "The fire had been alight for sometime when we arrived.

"We found several areas where fires had been started and discarded canisters, as well as various equipment used to start fires."

Evidence was found of five attempts to start fires in different areas, but only two had proved successful.

Anyone with information about the blaze should contact Great Harwood CID on 01254 884800.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.