A 24-year-old man was expected to appear in court today charged with arson, after a blaze which forced residents to flee their council flats and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing across Blackburn town centre.

Police officers who were called to deal with a reported domestic incident at the Larkhill Flats, off Whalley New Road, found the council home was on fire.

The flames which engulfed the flat on the thirteenth floor of Bowland House could be seen for up to a mile away.

Firefighters battled to control the blaze and instructed passers-by to stand well clear of the flats as water and debris fell to the ground.

Inspector Mike Simmons, of Blackburn Police said: "Our officers arrived to deal with an incident at the flat and found the place was on fire."

Inspector Stephen Haworth of Blackburn Police, said: "It would appear that there was a domestic dispute. A woman left the flat and the place would then appear to have been set on fire."

A fire brigade spokesman said: "The fire appears to have been started in both the lounge and the bedroom. There was extensive damage to the flat." Shoppers in the town centre stopped in their tracks as flames engulfed the flat at just after 1pm on Saturday.

Jack Haworth, who lives next door to the flat, said: "The first I knew was when the police were banging on the door. I think it's a young couple who live there, but I don't really know them."

Top floor resident James Curry, said: "The police were at the door screaming for us to get out straight away."

Forensic officers were called to the flat to photograph the damage and neighbours were allowed back into their homes after an hour.

No one was injured in the blaze. A 24-year-old man who lives at the flat was arrested at the scene and was due to appear before Blackburn magistrates today.

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