RESIDENTS in Ellenshaw Close, Darwen, were woken by a huge blaze coming from a van.

Firefighters were called at 4am this morning after the Vauxhall Vivaro van, belonging to a chimney engineer, was set alight.

A woman told fire crews and police that she had seen somebody close by around the time of the fire.

A crew of five from Darwen fire station attended and were on the scene for about an hour.

Two police cars and a police dog unit also attended.

Watch manager Tony Keane said: “The van was severely damaged and a full fire investigation has begun.

“Police officers also attended and arranged for the van to be moved.”

A police spokesman said an investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.