TWO stores are discussing with police the possibility of offering a reward for the capture of the arsonist who started a fire which caused millions of pounds of damage.

Officials from Netto and CBS mail order, whose Accrington branches are on the affected Eastgate retail site, are still discussing the finer details.

More than 60 firefighters battled for three hours on Sunday afternoon after a stack of palates next to Halfords caught fire and spread to the roof of the building, causing extensive heat and smoke damage to the stores.

Lancashire Fire Brigade are trying to determine the cause of the fire and police have been carrying out door to door questioning in the area. The stores are expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Det Sgt Jim Elston said: "A number of people saw the fire. We are looking for anyone who saw any individuals in the area before it started.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious on Sunday afternoon, or any earlier incidents, we need them to contact us. It is possible that a consortium of the businesses will be putting up a reward up for information which leads to the identification of the people involved but the details are still to be confirmed."

A spokesperson for Netto said: "We are discussing the offer of a reward but our main concern is to get the store re-opened and the staff back in position. We understand the police are pursuing the matter which hopefully will lead to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist."

A spokesperson for Halfords confirmed that they had declined to get involved.

A 16-year old youth, who had been questioned by police, was released without charge on Monday.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Accrington CID on 01254