VANDALS caused thousands of pounds-worth of damage to four neighbourhood shops after opening fire on the windows with a ball bearing gun.

The attack, which took place overnight between New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, had meant a miserable start to 2002 for shopkeepers in the row in Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley.

A hairdressing salon, library, DIY store and takeaway were all targeted in the incident and police have now launched an investigation to track down the offenders, who could be carrying a dangerous weapon. There are currently no witnesses to the attack and police have no leads.

Brian Thresh is the owner of Brunshaw DIY. His shop window was shot at twice and will cost £800 to replace.

He said: "I came in at 11 o'clock on New Years Day and the police were already here. I didn't notice the damage at first, but when I saw that my window had been shot at I couldn't believe it.

"I looked at the chip shop next door and they had five holes in their windows. The library window looked like it had been smashed completely.

"So much for happy New Year. As far as I am concerned whoever has done this should pay for it and if it is children, then their parents should pay."

Gail Ward, branch librarian at Brunshaw Library, was telephoned by the police on New Year's Day. She said: "I think we got it worst. The library was closed last Friday and only opened yesterday, so I'm not sure when it happened.

"When the police phoned on New Year's Day I had to come out to meet them. At first, I just thought 'what a mess' and then I was angry."

A spokesman for Burnley Police said: "We are asking for help from members of the public to get in touch with us to catch them."

Burnley Police can be contacted on: 01282 425001. Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.