A suspicious fire which was started in a block of flats is being treated as a deliberate attack - say police.

Police were called by the fire service at around 12.40am on Monday, March 22, to a suspicious fire on Thornfield Avenue in Waterfoot.

Detectives investigating a the fire would like to speak with the two men who have been captured by CCTV as part of their enquiries.

The incident is being treated as a deliberate attack and believe it to be a case of mistaken identity. Thankfully the flats were empty at the time and nobody was injured.

A 34-year-old man from Bacup arrested last month on suspicion of arson has been released under investigation.

DC Martin Vernon, of Burnley CID, said: “We are aware that this incident caused a lot of concern in the community at the time, as well as speculation on social media, and we have had a dedicated team of officers working to identify those responsible.

“With that in mind, we now want to speak to the men in the CCTV who we believe may be able to assist with our enquiries. If anybody recognises them, or if the men themselves see this appeal, I would urge them to get in contact with police as soon as possible.

“We believe this to be a case of mistaken identity and the person who we believe to be the target does not reside in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to email 3604@lancashire.police.uk or call police on 101, quoting log 34 of March 22nd.