Burnley pensioner, 75, flees suspicious fire at her home (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley pensioner, 75, flees suspicious fire at her home

8:30am Wednesday 11th November 2009 in

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A 75-YEAR-OLD woman was forced to flee her Burnley home in a suspected arson attack.

Fire chiefs said the pensioner was watching televison in her bungalow in Kay Gardens, off Springfield Bank, Fulledge, when yobs set fire to recycling outside.

The pile had been moved into a lean-to at the side of the property, which stands at the top of a cul-de-sac managed by Accent Housing North West, and the flames spread from there.

Watch manager Neil Ashworth, of Burnley fire station, said the blaze, at around 7pm on Monday, caused major damage to the roof of the bungalow and caused the house to become smokelogged.

Mr Ashworth said: “The recycling bins were ignited under the canopy.

“It first spread to the fence and the canopy and then got into the roof and attic space.

“The roof was well alight when we arrived and the elderly woman was in front of the house.

“She was treated at the scene but refused hosp-ital treatment.

“She was lucky she spotted the fire as soon as she did and was able to get out before the fire caught hold.”

Det Sgt Ian McLean, of Burnley CID, said: “Clearly with a serious incident of this nature we would ask for anyone who has seen anything in the vicinity, before or after 7pm, to come forward and assist with our inquiry.”

Police have confirmed that a 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

He was last night being questioned by police and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The 75-year-old, said to be shaken by her ordeal, was too upset to comment.

Police have conducted house-to-house inquiries in the area.

People who saw any-thing suspicious in the Kay Gardens area on Monday night are asked to call Burnley CID on 01282 425001 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555111.