ELECTRICITY was cut off to hundreds of homes in Oswaldtwistle after a suspected arson attack on a former care home.

Firefighters were called to Peel Court, off Union Road, at 2.30pm yesterday, where one of the buildings contained an electricity substation that had to be turned off before the blaze could be tackled.

United Utilities said that about 450 homes around the Union Road area were affected, power was shut off at 3pm and restored just before 9pm.

Colin Byers, watch manager at Hyndburn fire station, said youths were seen running from the building shortly before the fire was spotted.

He said the fire quickly spread to the roof of the building as there was little left in the former care home that had not be damaged in previous arson attacks, the most recent about a month ago.

"The separation between the building and the substation is only plasterboard, so they had to shut off the substation," he added.

It is the second suspected arson attack in the area in two days on Tuesday the former fire station off Union Road caught fire.

"Youths are just running wild around here. This is the result of juvenile nuisance and drinking," added Mr Byers.

The site has been derelict since 2003, it was one of 32 county council homes to be closed and sold off despite widespread opposition from residents, their relations and the public.

It was bought at auction by Manchester property speculator Andrew Booth for £200,000, but has stood empty since September 2003.

Speaking at the time of the sale, held at Manchester Airport, Mr Booth said he was willing to see it stay redundant until the council granted him the planning permission he needed to turn it into flats or retail units.

He said: I want to work with the council to find a use for it, but as it stands it's useless. It could stay boarded up for years."

Since then two sets of planning permission for the site have been turned down, and in January fresh plans for 17 terrace houses and two apartments were submitted to Hyndburn Council.

Mike Baron, 54, of who lost electricity to his Paddock Street home, added: "They can't get planning permission, I think it's silly the council won't let them build anything."

Pat Parkinson, 71, of St Paul's Court, who also lost power, said: "I went to town and when I came back there wasn't any power, I had to go to my daughter's this evening."

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We apologise to all the customers affect and are grateful for their patience, we got the power back on as soon as possible."

Police are investigating.