FIREFIGHTERS were called out to Burnley to reports that a person was trapped in a burning restaurant.

More than 20 firefighters were called to the kitchen fire at the Oriental Buffet in Bethesda Street at around 4.20am this morning.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent in to the building and extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets.

Burnley watch manager Tom Mellor said firefighters carried out a search of the building but were unable to find anybody trapped inside.

Mr Mellor said the kitchen suffered significant fire damage and the rest of the ground floor was smoke damaged.

He added: "Initial reports were that there was somebody trapped inside. On arrival we found quite a well developed fire in the kitchen area. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went inside and used two hose reel jets to tackle the fire. Nobody was found inside.

"We believe the cause of the fire was accidental, caused by cooking."

Two crews from Burnley attended the incident, along with one crew from Nelson Station and the aerial ladder platform from Hyndburn Station.

Police also attended.

The owner of the restaurant has been informed.