A FIRE started deliberately destroyed a derelict pub in Higher Croft Road, Fishmoor, Blackburn.

Firefighters were called to the former Centurion pub at 11.45pm on Saturday as the blaze spread to the second floor.

After putting the fire out, they were called again and found that someone had returned to the premises and put a number of gas cylinders from the basement into a first floor room and set fire to them.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.

Today a fire spokesman said: "It was quite a malicious incident. We had to return to the pub three times in total to ensure that the fire was completely put out.

"Building control at the council have fenced the area off and are looking to demolish it as a matter of safety at some point today."