HUNDREDS of customers drank and danced in a crowded nightclub unaware that a fire had started at the back of the building.

It is not clear whether the fire was started deliberately.

The fire brigade said it was believed the blaze at Panama Joe's nightspot in Hammerton Street, Burnley, could have been started by angry revellers who were thrown out of the club earlier in the evening.

But today the police, who have investigated the blaze, said there was no conclusive evidence to show it had been started deliberately.

The fire broke out in a room at the back of the popular town centre club used to store wine. The blaze started just after midnight on Saturday during the club's busiest time. There was no need to evacuate anyone and club staff quickly tackled the blaze before the fire brigade arrived.

One staff member said: "It's attempted arson. They must be out of their minds."

The fire, which was confined to the storeroom, damaged around 25 cases of wine.

Sub officer Nigel Clark, of Burnley fire station, said: "Someone has broken in through the rear exit of the club and deliberately set a fire in the store room. It's believed to have been started by someone ejected from the club earlier.

"The fire was right at the back of the club and customers weren't at risk although it could have been a lot worse."

Today, Inspector John Grice, of Burnley police, said: "There was a minor fire which damaged a door. We've made what inquiries were possible but there is inconclusive evidence to show who, if anyone, was responsible. We can't even say it was started deliberately."

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