AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a blaze ripped through a one-storey business unit.

The fire which destroyed the rear half of the building broke out on the shop floor of GRP Manufacturing in Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, at 4.45pm yesterday.

And today around 40 employees at the plastic manufacturers face an uncertain few days as the clear-up operation begins and the building is made safe.

Fire crews from Accrington and Great Harwood were on the scene for two hours battling the flames and clearing the smoke.

The officer in charge, sub officer Mark Egan, said that several residents had reported the fire and that smoke was billowing from the building when they arrived.

He said: "The first question to ask was if everyone was out, and luckily they were.

"Two fire officers were sent in with breathing apparatus to locate the fire at the rear of the shop floor and tackle the flames with a back up team and a jet.

"The fire was extinguished relatively quickly but there was a lot of smoke and the building will need to be made safe."

But the business -- thought to have been open just a few months -- may have to restrict operations during the clear-up.

Several glass panes in the roof were left unstable.

Officer Egan said: "Our main concern is to make sure the unit can be used and is operational.

"There are several local families dependent on this business for their livelihood."

The cause of the fire is under investigation but is not being treated as suspicious.

There are several flammable liquids used on the premises.

One resident said: "They have only been there a few months and it is a real shame.

"Small businesses have to work so hard to keep up with the big guys.

"This must be a real setback."

The co-owners declined to comment but were said to be very distressed and shocked by the fire.