A FIRE which destroyed £2,000 worth of stock at a town centre supermarket in Rawtenstall is being treated as arson.

Fire crews were called to the rear of Hanbury's shop, Valley Centre, Bank Street, Rawtenstall at 3pm on Saturday when smoke from a rubbish fire behind the premises got into the building.

They put out the fire and used a ventilation machine to clear smoke from the back of the shop.

A police spokesman said: "We are treating it as arson. Someone has put cardboard boxes up against the rear of the store and set fire to them. Smoke has got inside and caused damage to dairy products and other goods."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rossendale CID on 01706 237442 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.