A MAN from Bacup has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson endangering life.
Police were called to an incident on Thornfield Avenue in Waterfoot at 12.40pm today.
A police spokesman said: "We were called by the Fire Service to reports of a suspicious fire at a block of flats on the road. Thankfully the flats were empty at the time and nobody was injured.
You may have seen a police presence on Thornfield Avenue and be aware of local social media posts naming someone who people believe is a sex offender. We’ve made enquiries and can confirm the person named in the posts does not live in Rossendale or even within Lancashire. pic.twitter.com/tj4xjQhVrA
— Rossendale Police (@RssndalePolice) March 22, 2021
"Our investigation is in the early stages, however we have seen rumours circulating on social media about the possible intended target of this incident and at this stage believe this was a case of mistaken identity.
"We can confirm the individual named on social media DOES NOT currently live in the Lancashire force area.
"A 34-year-old man from Bacup has since been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage – arson endangering life. He remains in police custody.
"If you have any information about it, or if you saw any part of the incident, we would urge you to get in touch with us straight away. Please call 101, quoting log 34 of March 22nd."
A Lancashire Fire Service spokesman said: "We were called at 12.26pm to reports of a small fire by the doorway of some flats.
"Two crews from Rawtenstall were sent to the blaze. The fire was out on arrival and it was left to the police for them to investigate."
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