A HOUSE in Hope Street, Brierfield, was badly damaged in a suspected arson attack early today.

The property was well alight when fire crews from Nelson arrived shortly before 12.45am.

Sub Officer Lee Flattery said: "The fire started in the kitchen area and we are treating it as suspicious."

A fire investigation team was examining the scene today.

The house is normally occupied but, fortunately, there was no-one there at the time of the fire.