AN arsonist set two fires after suffering a mental breakdown, endangering the lives of his neighbours in Accrington, a court heard.

Firefighters discovered that Arshad Hussain, 31, had torched clothing in his front room when they entered his home in Lower Antley Street, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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But after extinguishing the flames, they also found that rolls of wallpaper had been ignited in the loft, which had much more potential to threaten adjacent properties.

Hussain had also carried out a robbery on a cigarette vending machine operative, escaping with £400 after threatening to stab his frightened victim at an off licence.

He pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and the robbery of Stephen Beddoes at Bare Necessities store in Whalley Road on January 13, 2015.

Jailing him for four years, Judge Jonathan Gibson said the fire ‘could easily have spread’ to nearby homes if it had not been for the prompt actions of firefighters attending the scene.

Claire Larton, prosecuting, said the defendant’s mother and brother lived next door to Hussain’s home. The brother heard banging in the house and went to investigate. He saw Hussain stood outside the house and saw smoke billowing from the front window.

Miss Larton said that the defendant had set the fires a short time after being discharged from the Pendle View mental health unit, against medical advice.

The court heard that on January 13 Hussain had approached Stephen Beddoes, as he was restocking a cigarette vending machine at the Bare Necessities off licence, initially making a grab for a cash bag.

Hussain then said: “I’m going to stab you” and claimed there were others outside the store waiting to “do him”, Miss Larton added.

The victim was genuinely scared and released his grip on the money.

James Heyworth, defending, said there was little his client could do, other than turn back time and make different decisions than he had.

Hussain had taken advantage of his time on remand, completing a number of courses he hoped would assist with his rehabilitation in future, the court heard.