YOUTHS are thought to be responsible for a fire which destroyed thousands of pounds worth of stock at a business in Rishton tonight.

About 30 bales of expandable polystyrene cartons were destroyed in a blaze at Styropack (UK) Ltd in Parker Street, which started just before 7.30pm.

Witnesses reported seeing a group of youths near the premises shortly before thick black smoke appeared from the blazing 1,000-kilo cartons.

Watch manager at Accrington, Phil Whittaker, said: "It's looking like it was started by youths at this point. Obviously we are investigating.

"It's quite a substantial loss to the company."

CCTV footage of the yard where the fire started is being examined.