THOUSANDS of litres of diesel fuel were spilled, offices wrecked and lorries damaged in a vandalism attack at the Tilcon Ltd concrete plant in Burnley.

Many thousands of pounds worth of damage was done and the Environment Agency was called in to check whether diesel had leaked into the water courses and nearby river.

The damage was discovered at 6.30am today when lorry owner driver Paul Cronshaw arrived for work.

He saw diesel all over the works yard and four wagons including his own had their windows smashed and had been sprayed with yellow paint and foam from fire extinguishers.

Site manager Richard Cook said: "We had an attack of vandalism about three months ago but nothing like this.

"They have smashed windows, sprayed everything with yellow paint, let off the fire extinguishers and released thousands of litres of diesel. Some property has also been stolen from the office" Mr Cook added: "I understand the fuel has gone into the sewers but fortunately nowhere near the river. We have reported the incident to the Environment Agency."

Leading Firefighter Steve Houldsworth said intruders on the site had smashed nozzles from the diesel drums releasing at least 2,000 litres of the fuel.

Much of it had gone into a water run off tank but they were concerned some might have got into the water courses and then into the river.

Lancashire's chief fire officer Peter Holland who was at the plant in Netherwood Road commented: "It is a serious incident but at least those responsible didn't start a fire nearby.

"With the amount of diesel that has been released it could have caused a great deal more damage and no doubt put a large number of people out of work.

"The major concern at the moment is whether it has caused any damage to the environment."

Police are carrying out an investigation.

The damage was caused between 1pm on Saturday and 6.30am today. Anyone with information should ring police on 01282 425001.