A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of assault following a fire at a sheltered accommodation unit.

Police said they were called to the premises in Stopford Court in Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, by staff just after 1am today.

That was to reports a 90-year-old man had suffered head injuries and there was a fire in his flat.

He has been taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with injuries which have been described as "minor".

Police said that at around 1.30am a 46-year-old woman from Accrington was arrested on suspicion of assault. She remains in custody.

Firefighters from Hyndburn Station attended the scene and extinguished the fire, which was located in the kitchen of the flat.

When the crews arrived there was nobody in the property, but the 90-year-old was receiving treatment outside for his injuries.

No major damage was caused to the property and no other flats had to be evacuated.

A fire service spokesman said: "An elderly male required first aid from fire fighters to a head injury and smoke inhalation.

"There was moderate damage to the kitchen.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and is under investigation by police and the fire service."

Anyone with more information should contact the police on 101.