A SOLICITORS firm in East Lancashire has been closed down on the advice of a professional watchdog.

Investigators from the Solicitors Regulation Authority were called in to the practice of Intelegal, in Briercliffe Road, Burnley, earlier this year.

And after examining the conduct of the firm, the SRA decided to intervene, to protect the interests of clients.

The firm is run by one partner, Syed Sulman Hassan, who was admitted as a solicitor in March 2009.

Among the specialisms offered by the practice were nationality and citizenship claims, under immigration legislation, personal injury cases and general litigation.

In a notice outside the front door of Intelegal, the SRA has posted an advisory note for clients.

This reads: "The firm can no longer act for you. We now have the files and money held by Intelegal Solicitors."

An intervening agent has been appointed, Neal Boland, of Wigan-based Stephenson Solicitors.

He is handling any outstanding queries regarding the firm and can be contacted on either 0333 344 4776 or by e-mail at sraenquiries@stephensons.co.uk.

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The decision was taken following a hearing before an SRA panel.

An SRA spokesman said: "The panel was satisfied that grounds for intervention existed under (the Solicitors Act 1974) namely that the society is satisfied that it is necessary to exercise the powers conferred by part 2 of the schedule in order to protect the interests of clients and former clients of Mr Hassan."

Later the SRA confirmed that there are no outstanding proceedings against Mr Hassan in person.