A PRESTON couple are cutting short their holiday in Spain after discovering their canal boat has been devastated by fire.

The brightly coloured barge, moored on the new Ribble Link near Preston Sports Arena, was left a burnt-out shell.

Police believe vandals torched the boat in a malicious attack sometime between 7.30pm and 10pm on Tuesday night.

Owners of 'Rainyday Woman', Brian and Julie Woods, of Goosnargh Lane, found out that their pride and joy had been destroyed, when daughter Laura called them in Barcelona.

Laura, 23, said: "They were absolutely devastated. They have spent the whole summer on it and have just brought it up to Preston from a trip to Bristol. They were excited about having it close to home and had just redecorated it."

The family had had the boat for three years and spent time together on the country's waterways. Brian, 56, is retired and Julie, 55, works part-time so it was the perfect way for them to spend time together. Laura said: "I think they are coming home as soon as they can reschedule a flight. It has ruined their holiday."

Before they set off for Barcelona on Sunday, October 6, they considered where to leave the barge and thought it would be an ideal spot, but they couldn't have got it more wrong.

A passerby crossing a nearby bridge alerted the police and firecrews to the incident. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 10.10pm but the navy blue narrow boat with red and yellow designs and its internal fittings was well alight.

The boat has been severely damaged by the fire. But this was not the first incident.

Laura said: "I had a call from the British Waterways on Monday night to say that vandals had smashed a window and released the barge from its mooring. They had to go and get the boat and secure it."

DS Gary Brooks of Preston police said: "The boat is being forensically examined for evidence."

Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses to the incidents -- asking anyone with any information to come forward and call CID on 209264.