A BLAZE tore through a row of 10 derelict houses in Burnley forcing nearby businesses to be evacuated.

Late night chaos was sparked when the suspicious fire broke out in Accrington Road at around 10.30pm on Saturday.

At its height, more than 40 firefighters from across East Lancashire tackled the flames which ripped through the boarded-up houses.

Several businesses including the Spar, Lifestyle Express, Mainline Taxis and Dixy’s Chicken takeaway had to be evacuated.

Part of the roof of 152 and 154 Accrington Road collapsed into the street and the route had to be cordoned off to traffic.

The former homes, once known as Woodville Terrace and built in 1876, comprise 148 to 160 Accrington Road and include a former bike shop, and have been boarded up.

Several other shops nearby, including the former Star of India kebab shop, Yip’s Chinese takeaway and The Hairs styling studio have also been derelict for some time.

Investigators believe the fire started in the old bike shop, at the Hargher Street end of the block, and spread through the nearby terrace through wooden joists.

Tony Ahmed, who runs Dixy’s Chicken, opposite the terrace, was forced to close his shop around 11pm, amid the safety fears.

And because the road was blocked in either direction his drivers were also unable to make deliveries, adding further problems.

“It was frustrating for us because Friday and Saturday are two or our busiest nights,” said Mr Ahmed.

“We often get children who are creating problems at the block behind us in Burdett Street and the council has come and boarded up properties.

“But the properties over the road are a hazard and need to be demolished as quickly as possible.”

Eddie Elliott, 56, of Accrington Road, said: “These properties have been empty for years and something needs doing with them.

“It looks awful and children are always getting into them. ”

Other blocks sealed off and still awaiting bulldozers, under Burnley’s housing regeneration programme, include Cog Street, Clough Street and parts of Hargher Street and Howard Street.

Insp Nick Hodgeson, of Burnley Police, said: “The cause of the fire is unknown at the moment and we are keeping an open mind.

"We would appeal for anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area on Saturday night to come forward.”

The fire comes just weeks after another row in Accrington Road was suspected to have been torched by youngsters. Nine under-construction homes were razed to the ground and police quizzed children, aged between eight and 14, about the incident.

Eyewitnesses to the latest fire should contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.