A LAUNDERETTE in Burnley has been left seriously damaged after a fire raged through the premises last night.

Firefighter wearing breathing apparatus were called in after the blaze was spotted at the Easyway premises, at the corner of Albion Street and Piccadilly Road.

An investigation has been launched by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service but the fire, reported just before 7.10pm,  is not thought to be suspicious in nature.

Watch manager Steve Harrison said: "It was quite a significant fire. When we arrived the building was well alight.

"We had to force an entry into the property, which was difficult because we had to cut through the metal security barring."

Firefighters also checked to see whether anyone was inside a flat, above the laundrette, but it turned out that the property was empty.

Mr Harrison said that the crew was at the scene for around two hours, with the area cordoned off to onlookers.