A 42-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested following a 'potentially deliberate' fire in a nightclub.

A man was taken to hospital with injuries after a fire broke out at the popular CLUB HQ night club in Warner Street, Accrington, at 3am, yesterday.

Dozens of clubbers were evacuated onto the street as fire crews from Hyndburn, Blackburn and Padiham attended the scene.

Six firefighters entered the building and a man was rescued from the third floor flat.

Cllr Tony Dobson, who owns the building, said the fire was believed to be started on the stairwell of the club.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said they attended a private address in Warner Street.

A fire service spokesman said: "The man was taken to hospital by ambulance to be treated for the effects of breathing smoke.

"There were no other casualties.

"Firefighters used three hosereel jets to extinguish the fire and two portable fans to ventilate the building and extract smoke and heat.

"The cause of the fire is to be established.

"We believe the cause of the fire may have been potentially deliberate."

The club was in full swing during its 'Thirsty Thursday' promotion night,

Cllr Dobson, who represents Barnfield on Hyndburn Council, said: "We believe the fire started in the stairwell.

"The club was evacuated quickly and efficiently.

"Everyone who was inside enjoying themselves was safe and unharmed.

"I would like to thank the club staff for following protocol and doing their jobs properly.

"I would also like to praise the efficiently of the emergency services for arriving so quickly.

"The damage was very small and apart from some minor works which were undertaken yesterday, the club was open as usual.

"We hope everyone can come down tonight and enjoy the club as usual."

A police spokesman said the 42-year-old woman, from Bacup, was arrested on suspicion of arson.