Police closed off a road in Deepdale after reports of a house being damaged by two men.

The property in St Stephen’s Road was under renovation and police arrived to find squatters had taken up residence in the property, which is under renovation.

Nearby residents alerted Preston Police after the smell of smoke as the two men attempted to set fire to the house.

Police closed off St Philip’s Road as they and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service dealt with the incident on Friday (31 March) afternoon.

The road was closed off from mid-afternoon until 7pm while the property was made safe.

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One man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and police are looking for a second man who made off from the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log number 939.