POLICE and fire chiefs are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former Lancashire nursing home.

Around 20 firefighters from Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom were called to the blaze at Cliffe Nursing Home in Stubbins Vale Road, Stubbins, near Ramsbottom at 8pm on Saturday.

A passer-by spotted flames coming from the windows of the derelict building and contacted the fire brigade.

Fire crews were at the scene for around three hours after the blaze broke out in the lounge and spread to the bedrooms on the first floor.

Firefighter Andy Tonge, said: "The building was well alight when we arrived. The building is set back behind a lot of trees so it could have been burning for quite a long time before we arrived.

"Flames were coming from the windows. Two firefighters were sent in wearing breathing apparatus to make sure nobody was inside.

"Fortunately there wasn't but we have got to treat every incident as if there could be because you tend to get squatters sleeping rough in buildings like this.

"It was so hot inside that the cast iron radiators were glowing bright red."

He added: "The fire is being treated as suspicious but we do not know at this stage what caused it."

Police and fire chiefs from Rawtenstall are now investigating to establish what caused the blaze.

Sgt Gavin Shaw said: "We are investigating the incident and have been trying to trace the owner of the building but the cause of the fire has not yet been established."