A £100,000 arson attack on the property of a local businessman could be linked to his company going into administration, according to the police.

Arsonists set alight an outhouse belonging to Alan Livesey, owner of building firm Brian Livesey Ltd, on Christmas Day.

On December 17, vandals also slashed the tyres of Mr Livesey's Land Rover and scratched the bonnet and the side of the vehicle which was parked outside his house on Church Lane, Whitechapel, Longridge.

Detectives investigating the two incidents are enquiring whether there is a link between Mr Livesey's business problems and the attacks.

The building firm, which trades as the Livesey Group from its base near Bamber Bridge, went into administration on December 14 with the loss of 40 jobs.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "Whether it is connected to the firm going into administration, we do not know, but it is one of our lines of enquiry."

It is believed Mr Livesey was at home when the arson attack happened.

The blaze destroyed the £50,000 outhouse and £50,000 worth of quad bikes, riding equipment and a ride-on lawnmower inside it.

Police believe more than one person may be responsible for the attack, which happened at around 2.30pm on Christmas Day.

Mr Livesey was out of the country when the vandals attacked his car.

His construction company closed its four sites in Liverpool on December 14.