AN arsonist using a mixture of paraffin and diesel oil was thought to have started a blaze which devastated the terrace house of former Burnley councillor Leslie Harrison.

This picture, taken in February 15, 1982, shows Mr Harrison’s furniture destroyed, including his bed, a sleeping bag, television and telephone and chairs.

Police said an intruder had broken in through the back downstairs window and ‘thrown paraffin all over the place’. It was treated as arson.

The fire occurred at 7pm while Mr Harrison, who lived alone in Newcastle Street, was at the home of his sister, Edna Carter, of Creswick Avenue, Burnley, where he went every Sunday evening.

He said: “My house was in chaos when I arrived. I don’t mind anybody taking a swing at me, but it is going too far when they burn me out.”