Arson investigation launched after Burnley house blaze

Detectives are appealing for information after a fire was started deliberately at a house in Burnley.
By John Deehan
Published 18th Aug 2020, 16:32 BST
The property in Sharp Street, Burnley.The property in Sharp Street, Burnley.
The property in Sharp Street, Burnley.

Officers were contacted at around 10-15pm yesterday to reports of a fire at the property, which is split into two flats, in Sharp Street.

The fire is believed to have started in the rear yard from debris being ignited and spreading into the building.

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Police say it is only a matter of chance there were no fatalities as the house happened to be empty at the time of the blaze.

Witnesses saw a man running from the front door of the house.

He is described as Asian, approx 5ft 4in. tall, aged 18 - 20 years, pale skin. He was wearing a grey, black and white Nike tracksuit with his hood up.

Det. Sgt Sarah Hargreaves, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a deliberate arson with a reckless disregard for safety. It is only a matter of luck that there was no-one inside the address and that we are not dealing with serious injuries or even a fatality.

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“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward and contact us.”

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101 quoting log 1572 of August 17th or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.