THE boss of an Oswaldtwistle furniture manufacturer has offered a "substantial" reward after a gang of thieves escaped with leather suites worth about £20,000.

The raiders struck at the Vine Mill premises of CSL Furniture on Friday night, just half an hour after a trailer containing 15 pieces of furniture had been parked in the secure compound.

The raiders used bolt cutters to gain access to the yard and smashed security lights before bringing in their own vehicle to remove the top quality leather goods which had been imported from Italy.

"It was clearly a organised raid," said Jason Tyldesley, managing director of CSL Furniture.

"The police are analysing CCTV footage which shows two men smashing the security lights before they brought their own transport into the yard . The forensic people have also been in.

Mr Tyldesley said the latest break-in, allied to a number of recent incidents, has prompted a major security review at the mill on Brookside Industrial Estate.

High level security lighting, night-vision CCTV and other sophisticated measures are being planned.

"The thieves in this case were very determined and very professional," said Jason, whose chain has shops in Blackburn, Bolton, Liverpool, Blackpool, Stockport and Chester.

"I am offering a substantial reward for any information leading to a conviction and anyone who can help should contact Accrington police."

The furniture stolen was manufactured by Natuzzi of Italy.