CCTV images have been released of a man police would like to speak to after a suspected arson attack in Blackburn.

An accelerant was pushed through the letterbox of a property in Longton Street, Blackburn which started a fire in the hallway.

A 26-year-old man who was asleep at the time was forced to escape.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A fence panel was also set alight in Frederick Row a short time later which police believe is linked to the first fire which happened at around 3.40am on August 27.

Both fires were quickly extinguished by fire crews.

Detectives are appealing for information and are keen to talk to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of both incidents.

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Det Con Ben Lyons, of Lancashire Police, said: “At 3.40am on Saturday, August 27, police were alerted to a fire at a residential address on Longton Street, Blackburn.

“There was a male occupant sleeping inside the address who managed to escape without injury, but the fire caused significant damage to the front of the building.

“Police enquiries are on-going to identify the cause and those responsible. A short time later a fence panel on Frederick Row was also set alight and we believe that the two incidents are linked.

“If you have any information regarding the incidents or believe that you witnessed anything relevant to the investigation, please contact DC 5645 Ben Lyons at Blackburn CID by calling 101 and quoting reference LC-20160827-0252.”