SHOPPERS and staff fled the flames following an arson attack at a DIY store.

Company bosses were today counting the cost after the fire at Glyn-Webb, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, destroyed an estimated £100,000 of stock last night.

The blaze -- nine years after the store was rebuilt following a fire -- broke out in the front-left corner of the first floor at about 6.15pm and the store was quickly engulfed in flames.

Staff and shoppers ran to the opposite end of the floor and down the stairs towards the safety of the rear exit.

Two people, both staff, were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and shock. A resident from a house opposite told how she saw the blaze spread at an unbelievable speed through the store, before blasting through the glass with an explosion-like smash.

Firefighters, station is just around the corner in Hyndburn Road, were on the scene within a couple of minutes.

Thick, smoke, which was intensified by the burning chemicals.

It took 40 minutes to extinguish the blaze. A quarter of the first floor was destroyed and the rest smoke damaged.

It is not known how the fire started, but it was being treated as arson.

Police were hoping that arsonist was caught on the in-store CCTV system.

Specialist forensic officers were also conducting an examination of the scene after darkness curtailed their inquiries last night.

Insurers of the DIY chain, which has 25 stores across the country, were also expected to arrive to assess the damage.

On September 27 1995, an electrical fault was blamed after a blaze gutted the store, causing £1 million worth of damage.

Paul Craven, Glyn-Webb area manager, said: "

"Then we will get the insurance company down and act on their advice."

Assistant Divisional Officer Peter Lockwood said that if anyone had been trapped it would have been very difficult to escape the smoke.

Police Insp Graham Ashcroft urged witnesses to contact 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.