A MAN has been arrested after several people had to be evacuated from their homes due to a gas leak caused by a fire.

Police and firefighters were called to Pembroke Street in Bacup shortly after 5pm on Thursday, following reports of a fire.

Once they arrived at the scene, damage caused by the fire was discovered to a gas pipe, resulting in around 30 homes having to be evacuated.

Around 25 cannabis plants were also found inside the property.

A 49-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 5.15pm yesterday (Thursday, January 14th) by the fire service to reports of a small fire at the rear of a property on Pembroke Street, Bacup.

“While emergency services were at the scene it was discovered the fire had caused damage to a gas pipe at the address and around 30 homes were evacuated from three streets in the area while the damage was repaired. Fortunately most of those have since been allowed to return home.

“A cannabis set-up, consisting of around 25 plants, was also found at the address and a scene will remain on overnight.

“A 49-year-old man from Bacup was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody."

Enquiries are ongoing into both the fire and the cannabis set-up and anybody with information about either is asked to get in touch 101, quoting 966 of January 14th.