PRODUCTION was halted at a Bury factory after arsonists caused £20,000 of damage.
A storage unit in the courtyard of Styx Signs, in Hornby Street, had been forced open late last Monday evening (December 22) and thousands of cardboard packing cases torched. A security guard at the company alerted firefighters at 7pm and they spent an hour bringing the blaze under control.
Heat from the fire caused the metal roof to buckle, putting firefighters in danger as they inched deeper into the storage unit.
The managing director of Styx, Mr Arthur Moore, used a forklift truck to remove several pallets of burning paper into the open to help with the firefighting operation.
Speaking after the arson attack, Mr Moore said: "It will take a good few weeks to get the stock replaced.
"About £20,000 worth of damage has been caused. We have stopped production for the day so we can begin clearing up the site."
The blaze is being investigated by police. Witnesses should contact Bury CID on 856 8150.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article