A NEW arson crimebusting team has been praised by the first person helped -- Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

The Arson Reduction Team arrived at the scene at Mr Straw's office he shares with other organisations in Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, after an arson attack.

It offered advice on how to prevent fires in the future.

The Foreign Secretary said he had discovered how helpful the scheme, a joint initiative by the police and fire service to investigate arson attacks, could be.

Police said the fire was malicious but not directed solely at Mr Straw. The Arson Reduction Team comprises station officer Rick Percival and DS Graham Jones and was only launched last Monday.

This was their first and only call-out.

It is the first time the police and fire services have worked together to slash deliberate incidents.

The duo's role is to begin detective work and offer advice to prevent arson attacks happening.

The Foreign Secretary's assistant Anne Higginson said: "Although it was quite a small fire there was extensive smoke damage to the offices, including ours.

"We don't think it was aimed at our office but it was very alarming.

"I must say that Lancashire police's new Arson Reduction Team were extremely helpful.

"They were very quick to respond and gave us advice on increasing security by means such as voice entry systems, locking doors and trying to reduce the effects of fire.

"We were very impressed."

Mr Straw, setting off on a visit to Nigeria, told the Evening Telegraph: "This is a major problem as my own experience shows.

"I am delighted at the action being taken by Lancashire police and fire service in terms of the Arson Reduction Team. We have discovered how helpful and effective it is. It faces a big task in dealing with this crime and I am happy to see it working so well."