AN INVESTIGATION is underway after a garage workshop was thought to have been torched in Rishton.

Around 20 firefighters battled the blaze at the Audi Motorsport premises in Brook Street, after an emergency call was received in the early hours of yesterday.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Six vehicles and industrial equipment, including a power lawnmower, are thought to have been badly damaged as a result of the fire, which was tackled by officers using breathing apparatus and a hosereel jet.

Investigators from Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service returned to the scene to begin examinations, to establish how the fire came about.

Watch manager Tony Spencer, of Hyndburn station, said: “The property was well alight by the time that fire crews arrived on the scene.

“It is believed to have involved a few vehicles and various other items that were left inside the workshop.

“It looks to have been started deliberately and Lancashire Police have been informed. It will be the subject of a joint investigation.”

The premises are situated behind the Co-op store in Harwood Road and no other buildings were directly affected.

Police response officers were called out to place road diversions around the location, which looks out onto School Street.

Neighbours reported how they heard a ‘big bang’, in the early hours, and then smelled smoke, around the time that firefighters were dealing with the blaze.

The garage workshop is registered to Jamie and Jayne Hacking, of Great Harwood.

Audi Motorsport has operated as an independent specialist since 2006, according to the company’s website, having moved to the Rishton site from Great Harwood in February 2014.

Det Sgt Tim McDermott, of Blackburn CID, said: “We are currently investigating the fire.”

Call police on 101.