A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two people were found dead in a house in Blackburn.

Lancashire Police said the bodies of a man and woman were found at the home in Hardman Street in the town at about 08:20 BST, and a man aged in his 40s had been arrested.

The man and woman, who have not been named, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they were unable to confirm the victims' ages but local residents told the BBC they were elderly.

Police said a dedicated team of officers had been assigned to the case, and were carrying out CCTV, house-to-house and forensic inquires.

The crime scene would "remain in place over the coming days", the force said.

Officers have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them.

A spokesman said: "Whilst this is a fast-moving investigation, we are at the early stages of establishing exactly what has occurred and why.

"Detectives are continuing to work to establish a motive.

"However, we don't believe there is a wider threat to the community.

"We will provide further updates when it is appropriate to do so."

A woman who lives nearby, but did not want to be named, said it was a shock to hear of the deaths.

"It is awful," she said.

She said early on Monday morning, her daughter had returned from work and told her there was an ambulance and police at the top of the road.

Then her granddaughter told her they were still there "and a white tent was up in the street and [the police] are going to be there a few days".

She said many older people lived in the neighbourhood. They "just live... and don't want any trouble", she said, adding it was normally a quiet area.

"It is not like this. I mean you get police here now and again, but not like this. Not at all."

Another woman, who said she has lived in the area for 17 years, echoed her shock at the fatal stabbings nearby.

The woman, who also did not want to be named, said she did not know the deceased people personally, but "they have been round here a long time".

Local councillor Terri Mahmood told the BBC: "The community is in shock.

"The family is deeply, deeply upset. It's shocking to them.

"The women are in tears.

"We don't want to speculate, we just want the police to investigate."

Blackburn MP, Adnan Hussain, said: "News of this tragic incident will understandably be deeply concerning for people across Blackburn.

"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the two people who have died.

"At this very early stage, there is very little information, and I would urge people not to speculate.

"The police have confirmed there is no danger to the wider public, and I would ask everyone to give them the space to carry out their investigation.

"Above all, I hope the family can be given the privacy and compassion they need to grieve at this incredibly difficult time."