Fire crews work to contain the blaze during Saturday morning Pic: Preston Fire Station

An arson investigation has been launched by police after a barn was set on fire near Preston.

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Fleet Street Lane in Ribchester was closed off from Saturday morning while crews from Preston, Blackburn and the Fylde tackled the flames.

The outbuilding had flames coming from its roof as firefighters tackled the blaze from 7.30am.

It is thought an offender entered the building through a side door and set fire to some old furniture before making off from the scene.

The fire spread from the side room into the main barn and to the upper wooden floor of the building, causing significant damage.

Smoke could be seen for miles around following the fire Pic: Preston Fire Station

DS Bryony Midgley of Lancashire Constabulary said: “Luckily nobody was hurt in this fire but it has caused significant damage to a farm outbuilding.

“We are currently treating it as suspicious and are appealing for anyone with information about it to get in touch with us.

“Maybe you were in the area at the time and saw something unusual, or maybe you’ve heard someone talking about it.

“Whatever information you have, please get in touch.”

There is extensive damage to the barn Pic: Fylde Fire Station

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 606 of December 3rd.