Fire in vestibule above newsagents

FIREFIGHTERS were called out to a fire at a flat above a newsagents.

They were called out after the owners of a flat above Watts News newsagents on Burnley Road East in Waterfoot were woken by their smoke alarm at around 3.30am on Friday, July 14.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters from Rawtenstall attended the scene alongside police after a 999 call with a report of smoke.

They said a small fire in the vestibule had to be extinguished. No one was injured. l Neil Hitchin, 63, of Crabtree Avenue, Rossendale has appeared at Preston Magistrates Court accused of arson with intent, and was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Burnley Crown Court on August 17.

No plea was entered.