A HISTORIC theatre was the victim of a suspected arson attack this morning.

The fire broke out inside Burnley Empire Theatre, on Cow Lane, in the early hours of the morning. 

It has been described as a 'heritage crime' by bosses of the Theatre Trust, who have been working with the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust to protect it and secure its future.

Fire crews had to break into the 123-year-old building to fight the blaze after receiving the call from police officers on patrol at around 3am. 

The fire was located on the ground floor of the the 1,200 seater venue, with part of the seating caught in the blaze.

A fire service spokesman said: "The old Empire Theatre in Burnley was on fire and we were called at around 3am.

"It was deliberate. Someone has lit a fire in the building. It had the potential to be a lot worse."

Bosses at Theatre Trust have described the reported arson as all too common for empty theatres across the country.

A spokesman for Theatre Trust said: "Heritage crime is a blight on the historic buildings in the UK.

"Unfortunately it is all too common for empty theatres to be attacked in this way.

"The reported arson at Burnley Empire is particularly concerning given recent positive discussions about its future that the Theatres Trust have held with the National Trust and other local stakeholders.

"Once the extent of damage is clear we will work with Burnley Empire Theatres Trust to assess next steps.

"Historic England has noted an increase in arson in heritage buildings in the North West in previous years.

"We would encourage the council and the building’s owners to take steps to remove access to the building from those seeking to harm it.”  

The incident comes just seven days before the theatre celebrates its 124 year anniversary after the venue first opened with a variety show on October 29, 1894.

It took firefighters over three hours to extinguish the fire.