ARSONISTS have struck a Burnley street nine times in just one week leaving residents terrified.

Two houses, within a few doors of each other, were gutted in the Albert Street fire attacks.

Luckily the people living in the terraced properties were not at home at the time of the fires, at around 11.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

But the blazes have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and left neighbours deeply worried.

One said: "It is just terrible - someone could have been killed."

Another added: "The whole street is uneasy."

Police believe the attacks could be the work of a group of several arsonists but fire officers believe that one attacker may be responsible.

In the fire on Wednesday, which started in the ground floor of the property, crews went in with thermal imaging cameras because the house was known to have been occupied - but no-one was in at the time.

And on Thursday a fire was deliberately set in another house in Albert Street. Firefighters say there were two possible sources for the blaze - one upstairs on a bed and the other in a living room chair.

Once again firefighters were forced to ensure that no-one was present at the property, using breathing apparatus.

The same watch was also called out to Albert Street again at 5.30am yesterday after rubbish was stacked against a telegraph pole and set alight, also damaging a nearby property.

All three fires, and a number of other similar incidents, are being treated as arson attacks and are being investigated.

Watch manager Neil Mark, of Burnley fire station, said: "There has been a spate of deliberate fires in this area - six or so over the last three days - and we are taking steps, along with the police, to identify the culprits.

"In the most serious fires both of the properties that were targeted in Albert Street are occupied but fortunately no one was in at either address.

"We will be going in to the area of the next few days to reassure residents and hand out fire safety advice.

"It is very important to make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted in your home, particularly in a terraced house where fires can spread from one house to the next."

Another blaze was reported to Burnley firefighters last week on Thursday, June 5, when rubbish had been set alight in the back yard.

Firefighters have also been repeatedly called out, throughout May and June, to arson incidents involving rubbish being torched on waste ground near Astley House, further along Albert Street.

Coun Gary Frayling, who represents Bank Hall ward, said he would be visiting residents in the area to make them aware of the fire service's advice.

He added: "I would appeal to people, if they do see anything in the area, to not be scared and contact the police, so they can do something about this."

One resident, who was to scared to be named, said: "This is just terrible - someone could have been killed.

"But that is what it's like around here, I have had dents in my car and both of my wing mirrors pulled off.

"I have been here 27 years and it was a nice district back then. But I have never seen it like it has been for the last couple of weeks.

"If you set fire to someone's house then it could spread to other properties - people just don't think about the consequences."

Another resident added: "This street has become so run down I'm not surprised about anything that happens here anymore. We are always seeing fire engines."

Det Con Neil Swindells, of Burnley CID, said: "There have been two serious house fires, which we are investigating, but the only link so far is their locality.

"We are liaising closely with the fire service and local people in the community. We would appeal for anyone with information to contact us on 01282 472149."