A DERELICT house has fallen victim to a suspected arson attack.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire involving an empty house on Carter Street in Burnley shortly before 8pm on Friday.

The property has been empty for several months and officers said there has been a build up of household waste in the backyard where the fire started, including a settee.

Crew members also said that smoke had got into the houses of two properties located either side of the vacant home. These have now been fitted with smoke alarms, a fire spokesman said.

Police officers, who were also in attendance, and fire service crews have launched an investigation into the fire, which is thought to have been started deliberately.

The fire service has residents to contact the council if empty properties are being used as a 'dumping ground' and urged people to park considerately to allow emergency service vehicles to get passed.

A fire service spokesman said: "Prior to getting to (Carter Street) we found it difficult to get to the property due to the double parked cars. This delayed us getting the fire engine to the house.

"We would ask residents to make sure there is enough room for emergency service vehicles to get to the house.

"If people live near properties that are unoccupied, or people are using it as a dumping ground, contact the council asking them to remove it."