AN ‘intense’ fire which caused a street to be evacuated is under investigation.

Colne firefighters were called to the blaze in Walton Street just before 6am yesterday.

A neighbour had raised the alarm and initially thought there were people inside.

But retained crew manager Lee Nuttall said that although the house was lived in, the occupiers weren’t in at the time.

Six firefighters using breathing apparatus had to smash down the front door and search every room to make sure the house was empty.

The fierce fire was under control in 30 minutes.

Mr Nuttall said: “It is being treated as suspicious and is now under investigation.

“Several residents had to be evacuated from surrounding homes.

"The property had no smoke alarms. People should contact us for a free fire test.”