A man had to be rescued from his flat after arsonists set alight to wooden crates outside a shop in Preston.

Paramedics treated the man for smoke inhalation following the blaze at a cornershop in Bence Road, in the Frenchwood area of the city, last night.

The first floor flat became heavily smoke logged during the fire which broke out just before 11pm.

Anyone with information should call Preston police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.