Mitchell Flackett, who was high on drugs and booze, caused more than £1,500 of damage when he torched the letterbox of a property on Roylen Avenue, Poulton.

A judge told him someone could have been killed in the attack.

Flackett, 21, of Trunnah Road, pleaded guilty to arson.

Preston Crown Court was told after the attack, which happened last January, public-spirited neighbours tried to force their way inside, fearing someone could be trapped by the blaze.

It turned out no-one was at home at the time, but presiding Judge Simon Newell said the would-be rescuers could have been hurt.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said one of Flackett's friends lived in the home which was set alight.

Flackett went to the house with friends. Neighbours saw them gather outside the front door and then walk away after a couple of minutes.

Soon after, neighbours noticed flames coming from the front door.

They used tools and then a plank to try and get in the house, fearing someone might be inside.

They forced the door, but could not get in due to the smoke.

Flackett was still in the area when police and the fire brigade arrived and he was arrested.

He had been drinking and claimed he had little recollection of that day.

John Woodward, defending, said his client had admitted responsibility

He said his client was intoxicated through drugs and drink but had learned his lesson.

Mr Woodward told the court: "He never intended the damage to occur in the way it did.

"Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine it would effectively destroy the front door and cause the damage it did."

Judge Newell said: "Neighbours thought someone might have been in there and were so concerned they tried to get in the house to rescue someone.

"People could have been injured or killed."