A SHOP fire that threatened to engulf a row of terraced properties in Accrington is being treated as arson.
An end-terrace double-fronted shop, selling second-hand electrical goods, in Blackburn Road was destroyed in Saturday morning’s blaze, while a house next door was severely damaged. Six homes were evacuated and four people were treated for smoke inhalation.
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CCTV images taken from the area show somebody approaching the side of the business and setting a fire, a police spokesman said yesterday.
Thirty firefighters on six engines stopped the blaze from spreading further than the two properties, on the corner of Russia Street, through the loft space.
A police spokesman said: “An unknown person approached the side of the business premises and set alight to a room at the back.”
Witnesses should call police on 101, quoting reference 351 of December 13.
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