A DENTIST was today working to save his business after it was wrecked by an arson attack.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Whalley Road, Accrington, in the early hours of Sunday.

The blaze ripped through the Mark Wilkinson Dental Practice shortly after midnight and caused £200,000 worth of damage.

Firefighters from Accrington were called to the premises at 12.34am and found the ground floor well alight.

The building was substantially damaged by fire and smoke and was closed for business today.

Now police are looking for witnesses to the fire, which is being treated as suspicious, and are conducting house to house inquiries in the area.

Detective Sergeant Simon Giles, of Accrington CID, said: "The back door of the property was forced open and equipment stolen from inside. A fire was then started, which has substantially damaged the building.

"This was a particularly nasty fire and we are appealing for witnesses. Our house-to-house inquiries have so far given us no leads and we are keen to hear from anyone who might have seen or heard anything."

Mr Wilkinson said: "I've a lot of sorting out to do this morning. It was a bit of a shock but its hardly September 11 and thankfully nobody was hurt and I am covered by insurance."

Police and fire brigade staff were set to investigate the scene today and electricians have been called in to fix the electrics which were cut off in the blaze.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Giles on 01254 353741.