Detectives are seeking information about an arson attack which gutted a terraced house after witnesses saw a man wearing a Nike tracksuit running from the scene.

Police in Burnley were called to Sharp Street around 10.15pm on Monday after receiving reports that there was a fire in one of the houses.

The house, which is split into two flats, was empty at the time of the blaze and officers say it was 'only a matter of luck there were no fatalities'.

A spokesperson for the police said: "The fire is believed to have started in the rear yard from debris being ignited and spreading into the building."

Witnesses say they saw a man running from the front door of the house and described him as being Asian, approx 5ft 4in in height, aged around 18-20 years, with pale skin, wearing a grey, black and white Nike tracksuit, with his hood up.

Firefighters were called to the scene just after 10pm, with two engines from Burnley and another from Nelson attending

They remained at the incident for around four hours and extinguished the blaze using hose reels and breathing apparatus.

Fortunately due to the house being unoccupied no one was injured and the blaze did not spread to neighbouring properties.

Det Sgt Sarah Hargreaves, of Burnley CID, said: “This was a deliberate arson with a reckless disregard for safety.

"It is only a matter of luck that there was no-one inside the address and that we are not dealing with serious injuries or even a fatality.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward and contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 1572 of August 17 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.