TWO men have been found guilty of deliberately starting a fire that destroyed a house in Clayton-le-Moors.

Samuel Todd, 27, of Elmwood Close, Accrington, and Ryan Ibbitson, 23, of Edward Street, Accrington, were convicted of arson after a trial at Burnley Crown Court.

The court heard the former friends started the blaze fire at a house in Cumberland Avenue in an attempt to claim insurance money.

The incident occurred at around 2am on April 15, 2014. No one was in the house at the time

The duo were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson and conspiring to commit fraud.

Both previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of a class B drug.

The court the defendants went to the address with a canister of petrol and were captured on CCTV disappearing down the side of the house, before reappearing just as an explosion occurred.

Officers estimated several gallons of petrol were used to set the house alight.

The explosion and subsequent fire caused such extensive damage that the house had to be demolished.

It also caused major damage to the adjoining property, the court heard.

The occupiers were away on holiday, but they were forced to move out of their home for two years, while repairs were carried out.

Officers said Todd and Ibbitson started the fire hoping to put in an insurance claim for damaged property, as the house was being rented by a friend. The friend has since been cleared of any involvement in the incident.

Officers found clothing that had been damaged by fire, as well as a petrol canister and lighter, all within two cars owned by Ibbitson.

Speaking after the case, DI Tim McDermott, said: “I welcome the conviction of these two men and would like to thank the jury for the time and concentration they have put into a very complex case.

“In over 20 years in the police service I cannot recall two suspects who have twisted and altered their accounts as often as Todd and Ibbitson did in an attempt to avoid the consequences of their actions.

"From the start they believed they could lie their way out of trouble and it is thanks to a meticulous investigation that justice has now been served.

“I would also like to thank the witnesses who gave evidence and for their patience during what has been a very long process.

“The residents of Cumberland Avenue had their homes and lives put at risk and the disruption since has been long and very upsetting.

"I hope this verdict now offers them some comfort and they can move forward knowing Ibbitson and Todd will face the consequences of their actions.”

The pair are due to be sentenced on August 15.