CHILDREN are thought to have started a fire which caused severe damage to an end terrace house in Grey Street, Burnley.

The incident left 17-year-old Ricky Hayes without any possessions.

He said: "I have lost everything apart from my bike.''

Ricky is now staying with friends until he can find a new home.

He was out last night when neighbours heard the sound of breaking glass followed by a fierce fire which caused extensive damage to the rented house.

The cause is being investigated by police and fire officers.

Leading Firefighter Neil Hardiman said: "We are treating it as suspicious.''

At first it was feared people were trapped inside the blazing property. and fire crews searched the smoke filled house when they arrived at about 10.45pm.

The kitchen and dining room were badly damaged, with smoke damage to the rest of the property.

Previous news story

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