A HOUSE in Blackburn was targetted in a suspected arson attack this afternoon.

Fire crews and police were called out just after 2.10pm to the house in Bolton Road, and arrived to see flames coming from an upstairs window.

The people in the house had made their own way outside before the emergency services arrived, but a dog was brought to safety by fire fighters from a downstairs room in the house.

A police spokeswoman said the fire was being treated at delibrate, and a man was arrested at the scene.

He was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhilation before being taken into custody.

The fire started in the front bedroom of the house, which was completely destroyed in the blaze.

Significant smoke and heat damage was also caused to the first floor of the property.

It was initially thought there were people inside the house, and three fire engines were sent, two from Blackburn and one from Darwen.

Fire fighters used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze, and searched to make sure nobody was inside.

Crews are currently still at the scene using thermal imaging cameras to check that the fire has been completely extinguished.

Police have also blocked off the road, and put diversions in place.

Station Manager Tony Ashworth said: “It was quite a severe fire.

“We arrived to flames coming out of the front window upstairs.

“The whole bedroom has been destroyed by smoke and fire damage, and there is heat and smoke damage in adjacent rooms.

“The window had broken through, so we used a ventilator to push through air.

“The fire started in the front bedroom, we are investigating the cause. ”