A TAKEAWAY has been forced to close after fire ravaged through the building in a suspected arson attack.

Fire crews and police were called to the blaze at the Sanam Grill in Colne Road, Burnley, at 1.30am on Saturday.

The fire, which caused widespread damage at the takeaway, was started deliberately, police believe.

Three men from the next door apartment had to leave the building, but no one was in the takeaway at the time of the fire.

Fire crews were at the scene for almost two hours making it safe.

The takeaway is now boarded up after the fire destroyed much of the ground floor and damaged the first-floor flat above the shop.

Officers are now investigating the cause of the fire after discovering that there was "more than one seat" to the blaze.

Police are making inquiries with the owner of the takeaway and the three people in the flat next door.

Acting Detective Inspector Graham Gallagher said: "It would appear, with the smell of the accelerant, it was a deliberate attack.

"The apartment sustained extensive damage and downstairs was badly damaged as well.

"The premises are not fit for for their purpose and have been boarded up because of the fire.

"We are appealing for witnesses to come forward who saw anything suspicious between 1am and 1.30am."

Eyewitness Ismail Aydin, owner of Turkish Best Kebab Takeaway, on Colne Road, was serving customers when he saw police cars driving past.

He said: "I was serving my customers when I saw five or six police cars passing.

"When I went outside everybody, police and fire engines, were already there and the fire had already started."

Maz Hussain, owner of the Al-Maz Tandoori Takeaway, also on Colne Road, drove past the fire.

He said: "I saw the fire and it was quite smoky.

"When I drove past people were already there and there were two fire engines and a number of police cars."

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001.