A FIRE in the upstairs of a Blackburn house is suspected to have been started by arsonists.

Police have launched an investigation after a fire engulfed the upstairs of a property in Ansdell Terrace, Highercroft.

A blackened upstairs window, thought to have been damaged in the fire, has been boarded up and glass can be seen on the garden.

Firefighters from Blackburn were called to the incident about 5.40pm.

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A police spokesman said: "This incident is being treated as suspicious.

"The fire services are not happy with the cause of the fire.

“The property was empty at the time and an investigation has been launched to find what caused it."

A neighbour in Ansdell Terrace resident said: "I saw a lot of smoke coming out of the roof.

"A few neighbours went outside to see if we could help anyone but no one was in the house at the time.

"The fire service were here for a while to put the fire out."

A fire service spokesman said: "When firefighters arrived at the scene, the property was heavily smoked logged and firefighters used four breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"No injuries or rescues were reported and the fire is now under investigation."

A police spokesman said no one was living in the house.