HUNDREDS of pounds worth of damage was caused at a Radcliffe window manufacturers when arsonists turned a propane gas cylinder into a flame-thrower.

A five-foot long flame blasted against two toilet windows at Saran Windows in the Dale Street Industrial Estate.

The fire penetrated the building but was confined to the toilet area.

Three fire crews were sent to the estate when the alarm was raised shortly after 8pm on Sunday (Feb 18).

The burning cylinder was quickly cooled, as were two other gas tanks.

A spokesman for the fire service has now issued a warning to business bosses to ensure that all gas cylinders are locked inside factories.