A FIRE station was targeted by burglars while crews tackled a serious house blaze.

Unknown offenders struck at the Bradley Road Station, Nelson, some time between 12.30am and 5am today. 

Firefighters had been attending a serious house fire in the town.

When they returned to the station, they were shocked to find several of their personal items including wallets and watches had been stolen.

The offenders also caused a lot of damage after forcing entry through internal doors and ransacking most of the rooms in the station.

PS Kathryn Mather of Lancashire Police, described the incident as ' a 'disgraceful crime'.

She said: “This is a disgraceful crime against our emergency services colleagues who were out doing their job and protecting the public.”

“We’re committed to finding those responsible and are appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.

"If you saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area, please let us know.”

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, who represents the Bradley ward in Nelson on Pendle Council, said the perpetrators were 'despicable' and hoped they are 'brought to justice'. 

He said: "This is a despicable act which has targeted the emergency services who are going out to save lives.

"So for these thieves to do this is disgraceful.

"I would appeal for anyone to contact the police to make sure these people are brought to justice.

"At the end of the day, these firefighters are doing their jobs and these opportunistic thieves have done this.

"It just shows the length some people will go to."

Officers have appealed for potential witnesses with information to come forward and help them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by emailing 3657@lancashire.pnn.police.uk , or calling 101 quoting log number 173 of 22nd June.