AN historic listed building in Blackburn has been gutted by fire.

Around 35 firefighters from Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington were called to tackle a blaze at the derelict Griffin Lodge and Coach House, in Cavendish Place, at around 4.15am this morning.

The area was cordoned off, and fire fighters were expected to remain on the scene throughout the day to cool the building.

The Grade Two-listed property was previously used as a museum. It had suffered several lead thefts and become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for the fire service said the blaze was being treated as suspicious