AN INDUSTRIAL unit which was targeted by arsonists is to be pulled down - costing the owners tens of thousands of pounds.

The unit at Orion Industrial Estate, in Emerald Street, Brownhill, Blackburn, was so badly damaged in the blaze that council building inspectors have ruled it must be demolished after being left too unsafe.

And the owners of the premises have had to take the news "on the chin" as they had no insurance for the property.

Usman Musa, 45, one of the four owners of the units at the mill, had insurance documents had not been renewed - which means the arson attack could cost the owners around £40,000. He said: "We have instructed builders who are liaising with Blackburn with Darwen Council to decide the best way to bring the thing down.

"Fortunately, the damaged unit can be demolished without affecting the structure of the other units but we have still lost a massive chunk of our investment. We are just having to cut our losses and move on."

The unit was leased by Slater's wood turners and today the owner, Gary Slater, 29, said his company was now under threat because of the blaze.

He said: "We moved all of our stuff out last week ready for the building to be demolished. Now we are waiting for insurance.

"The longer we have to wait for the pay out the less chance we have of establishing the business elsewhere. Already we have lost some massive contracts so really don't know what position we will be in when we receive the insurance. I may have to take a job offer until we know the state of play."

The family business employs five staff, who may also have to consider other employment.

Police today said they are continuing to investigate who was behind the fire.