ARSONISTS were slammed after targeting an historic Gothic-style church which holds memories for scores of worshippers.

Sacred Heart was the second Hyndburn church to be attacked in three days after West End Methodist's newly refurbished building, in Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, had guttering torn down, a double glazed window smashed and a hole left in the roof after slates were removed.

Sub Officer Steve Harrison said Sacred Heart's fire at 3.50am today left two rooms severely damaged and smoke logged the entire church.

He said they fought the blaze for nearly three hours and if they arrived any later they would still be there tonight.

And although Sacred Heart RC Church, in Blackburn Road, was earmarked for demolition, the news hit parishioners and clergy very hard.

"It's really upsetting. It's a very sad end for a church that has holds a lot of memories for me and many others," said former parishioner Leo Warren, 66, of Manchester Road, Accrington.

Sacred Heart opened in 1868 to replace the original church in Hyndburn Road built 15 years earlier. The church was originally run by Jesuit priests until 1959 when the Salford Diocese took it over.

Its last service was held in June after the Salford Diocese decided to close the church due to a diminishing congregation and extensive dry rot problem that would have cost £300,000 to rectify.

It is to be replaced with a commemorative grassed area where occasional services will be held.

Mr Warren, who helped organise the last service, said: "My father used to attend the church and it has been closely connected with my family for as long as I can remember.

"The church was set to be demolished and although it was empty of all items that held any worth, it is still quite upsetting."

Father Michael Walsh, of Salford Diocese, said: "It is of great concern and stress when people attack and set fire to a church. It is the same as it happening to someone's house."

Sub-officer Harrison said: "There were two fires in the sacristy where the priest used to change ,and in an adjoining room. The fires had taken hold and were in danger of going up to the rooms above where a lot of furniture was stored.

"The vandals also smashed windows to break in and as the door to the main church was open it was smoke logged as well.

"The fire will be investigated by police and fire investigation teams."