A CAT called Tyson was given oxygen by firefighters after he became trapped in a blaze in a disused launderette.

He was found when crews were called to an end-of-terrace property in Nuttall Street, Accrington, yesterday at 8pm by nearby residents who spotted smoke.

Firefighters said they thought the blaze was started by youngsters who had climbed in through a back window and set fire to furniture.

The premises, owned by Barry Edwards, of Cromwell Avenue, Accrington, were being converted into flats and there were two beds and a settee inside.

Leading firefighter Michael McDonough said: "When we arrived there was smoke billowing out of the windows.

"We managed to put out the fire fairly quickly but we had to check there was no one inside.

"It was then when we saw the black cat.

"We carried him outside and gave him oxygen and he began to come round.

"His owner lived nearby and was very concerned. He said he would take him to the vets today."

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