AN ARSONIST caused £100,000 of damage at a kitchen showroom after shoving an industrial-sized firework through an air vent.

But the Haslingden family behind the Ramsbottom firm said it was business as usual - and they even sold a kitchen hours after discovering the damage.

The arsonist poured an accelerant through the vent, causing the firework to explode and wreck the company's main office, destroying five computers, company paperwork and various valuables.

Detectives have appealed for eyewitnesses to the attack, which happened between the showroom closing at 5pm on Wednesday and reopening at 7.30am on Thursday.

The Ramsbottom Kitchen Company, Union Street, Ramsbottom, is run by Haslingden husband and wife David and Tracey Peace.

Mr Peace, of Cambridge Street, said they had no idea why they had been targeted.

He said: "The driver was the first person in work this morning and called me at about 8am to say there had been a fire.

"I was expecting something very small but the main office area was totally burnt out. It looked like a dark cave.

"Luckily no-one was in the office at the time and the doors had been shut so the fire was confined and burned itself out.

"It could have been a lot worse. Our salesmen are still working and we have even sold a kitchen this morning."

The showroom should be open as normal between Christmas and the New Year period and it is hoped the office can be restored by January.

The nine-strong workforce was helping with the clean-up operation yesterday.

Det Sgt John Charlton, of Bury CID, said it had caused an estimated £100,000 of damage and added: "Whoever was responsible for this attack needs to be apprehended and punished for this offence, which could have had tragic consequences."

Witnesses are being asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 4647 or the Crimestoppers num,ber anonymously, on 0800 555 111.