Arsonists hunted after empty Pendle house set on fire

The blaze broke out at the unoccupied terraced property in Helmsdale Road at around 5-10pm yesterday.

The fire started in a ground floor room and spread to an upstairs bedroom. Fire crews had to wear breathing apparatus to tackle the flames using two hose reels and a ventilation unit was also required to clear away smoke.

The house has now been secured while the investigation into the cause is carried out.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "We believe someone broke into the house deliberately to set it on fire."