Arson investigation launched after house fire

Police say no-one was inside the property at the time of the fire

A fire that damaged two homes in a North Yorkshire town is being treated as an arson attack, according to police.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the blaze on Springfield Grove in Boroughbridge just before 23:00 BST on Thursday, a North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

Nobody was inside at the time of the fire, which affected every part of the property and also damaged the building next door.

A cordon remained in place and North Yorkshire Police said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

Officers said the attack was believed to have been an isolated incident but there would be more high visibility patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances of the fire and anyone with information has been asked to contact police.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.