Lancashire man charged with arson after after fire completely destroys Oswaldtwistle house

Police were called by the fire service to a report of a suspicious fire at an address on Queens Street at around 5.10pm on May 15.

Three fire engines from Hyndburn and Blackburn attended the fire, with firefighters using two hose reels, four breathing apparatus, a ventilation fan and a thermal imaging camera.

Vulnerable residents had to be evacuated from neighbouring properties as firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours and 45 minutes.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, but it resulted in the house being completely destroyed.

Anthony Dickinson, 53, has now been arrested and charged with arson after officers launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Anthony Dickinson, 53, of Oswaldtwistle, was charged with arson - reckless as to whether life was endangered.

"He was remanded to appear at Burnley Combined Court on June 11."