SHOP premises in Burnley were damaged in an early morning arson attack.

Fire crews were called to Colne Road, Duke Bar, just before 3am to a fire in a back room of unoccupied premises next door to the Private Shop.

Station officer Paul Harvey said: "Someone had forced a way in by smashing a window at the back of the premises and then started a fire."

The shop is under renovation with decorating materials including paint and turpentine accelerating the fire.

SO Harvey said: "Damage was confined to that room but four firefighters in breathing apparatus had to carry out a search to make sure there was no one inside and that there was no danger of the fire spreading."

A ventilation unit was used tro clear smoke from the building which is boarded up at the front.

Police have been informed and an investigation is being carried out.