POLICE are appealing for the public's help in their investigation after a suspected arson at the home of an elderly couple and their son in Chorley.

Just after midday on Tuesday, fire crews were called to a fire in a downstairs bedroom at a property on Fell View Chorley.

An investigation has been launched but it is suspected that the fire was started deliberately using a lit newspaper, causing significant damage to the room.

It is the second report of a fire of suspicious origin at the home after a report of a similar nature on March 13 March at 2.30am.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses to the incident.

There were no injuries as a result of the fires and the occupants have since been moved to another address.

DC Andrew Causey of Lancashire Police said: “The couple who live at this address are extremley vulnerable and it’s unclear why they would be deliberately targeted in this way.

We would ask that anyone who saw anything or who has any information at all about these incidents to please get in touch.”

A joint investigation between Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue in currently underway.

Anyone with information is asked to contact to 101 or email 8159@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log number 0579 of April 28th. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.