Huge resort flat blaze suspicious
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/8015767.stm Version 3 of 5. A huge fire that forced the evacuation of Blackpool residents is being treated as suspicious, police have said. About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze, which destroyed an unfinished block of flats in Talbot Road. The timber frame was surrounded by residential properties, some of which have been damaged. No-one was injured in the fire, at about 0345 BST, but 152 residents, many of them elderly, are being looked after at Blackpool Sports Centre. The alarm was raised by a passing police officer, who noticed smoke coming from the building. Police are treating the fire as suspicious, however no cause has yet been established and an investigation is ongoing Police spokeswoman Lancashire Police have now confirmed that arson was being investigated as a cause. "Police are treating the fire as suspicious, however no cause has yet been established and an investigation is ongoing," a spokeswoman said. Firefighters spent a number of hours tackling the blaze and crews have been checking for hotspots and damping down. A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "The construction... was in the middle of a highly populated residential area, resulting in the evacuation." Police have closed Talbot Road and Devonshire Road through to Talbot Road and Lark Hill Street. Motorists have been warned to expect delays throughout the morning because it is the main route into the town. A spokesperson said closures were likely to remain in place for a few hours. Traffic is being diverted down Caunce Street. <hr/> Are you in the area? Send us your comments. <i>Send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can </i><a href="http://bbcnewsupload.streamuk.com/" >upload here.</a> <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/2780295.stm#yourpics" >Read the terms and conditions</a> <i>At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.</i> <i>A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.</i> <a name="say"></a> The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/">Terms & Conditions</a> |