ARSONISTS struck at an abandoned building site in Burnley on Christmas Day.

Firefighters were called to the Sycamore Park development at Birchfield Mews, near Gannow Lane, at 6.45pm.

The crew found the first floor of one of the buildings was wel alight on their arrival and they were on the scene for an hour and a half.

Watch manager Steve Harrison said: “We arrived at a quickly developing fire in one of the buildings.

“The fire was on the first floor and we officers wearing breathing apparatus used a ladder to gain access.

“Once the fire was out we checked the property for any other seats of fire or people.

“There was quite a lot of damage to the first floor and part of the roof.”

Watch manager Harrison said those who started the fire had been lucky to get out.

He said: “It is like a rabbit warren up there and, once a fire starts the escape route can be easily cut off.

“It is a bit risky as there are missing staircases and floors.

“I would urge everyone to stay out of there as it could be very dangerous.”