FIREFIGHTERS were forced to break in to a house to battle a blaze believed to have been started deliberately.

The incident happened just after 8.30am in Thurston Street in Burnley and two fire crews were called.

Nobody was in the house, which firefighters said they believe nobody lives in.

The fire was started in the ground floor hallway of the property and firefighters were in attendance for around two hours and twenty minutes.

An investigation is now underway by firefighters and police into the incident.

A fire service spokesman said: "We think it has been started deliberately, it's definitely suspicious.

"When we were first called we weren't sure if someone was inside, we had to use break in gear to get in.

"However we carried out a check and the property was clear and we believe nobody lives in the property.

"Nobody was injured."

The fire service used four breathing apparatus, two hose reels, positive pressure ventilation and breaking in gear to extinguish the fire.