A BLACKBURN man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a woman was rescued from her burning home.

The emergency services were called to the terraced house in Bolton Road, Blackburn, after neighbours saw smoke coming from the building.

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When firefighters arrived the ground floor was well alight and the house was heavily smoked logged.

They managed to reach the woman and bring her safely out of the burning building.

A 41-year-old man from Blackburn was later arrested in connection with the blaze, which happened shortly before midnight on Sunday.

He was yesterday being questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with minor injuries after being rescued.

At noon yesterday, three police vehicles remained outside the property, located between Ewood Park and the Thwaites Empire Theatre, and all the front windows a door were open to clear the smell of smoke.

Police tape had sealed off the front entrance as police, including a crime scene investigation unit and fire officers, investigated how the fire had started.

Two fire engines from Blackburn and one from Darwen dealt with the blaze.

A neighbour said: "I was in bed and could hear a repeated bleeping noise.

"I got up and was searching around the house for where it was coming from.

"I looked out of the window and could see smoke coming from the house and drifting across the road so I phoned 999.

"I could smell smoke upstairs in my house but I think the fire was downstairs.

"There were soon three fire engines, police and an ambulance outside.

"The fire crews were there until about 3am and the police have been there ever since."

Crew manager Chris West said: "This incident highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms.

"Even though they did not alert the occupant they still woke a neighbour who called for the fire service.

"For any further fire safety advice or to have smoke alarms fitted in your home, please call on 0800 169 1125."