AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a former pub was 'deliberately' set on fire.

Five fire engines were called to the incident at the former Adelphi pub, Railway Street, Burnley, at 5.20pm this evening.

Three floors of the building were on fire when firefighters arrived.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and used two hosereels and a water jet to extinguish the flames.

Nobody was injured.

Police and the fire service are running a joint investigation and the incident is being treated as arson.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "There was fire on all three storeys and fire engines and crews from Burnley (two), Padiham, Nelson and an aerial ladder platform and support engine and crew from Preston were assigned to the incident.

"Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used two hosereels and a main jet to extinguish the fire, which had been started deliberately.

"There were no casualties. Police were notified of the suspected arson."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.