YOUNG firebugs are being blamed for a blaze at one of Leyland's best-known shops which destroyed more than £150,000 worth of stock.

Owners of Rimmers Music, Chapel Brow, Leyland, now face a massive clear-up operation after the arson attack on Tuesday night.

Four fire engines attended to put out the blaze, which was started behind the shop but soon took hold of the stockroom.

The rest of the building was smoke-damaged and staff still aren't sure when the store, which has been in the town for than 20 years, will be able to re-open.

Witnesses say they saw children hanging around near the shop shortly before the fire started.

Firemen at the scene said the blaze was started when someone setting fire to rubbish to the rear of the store, probably with matches.

Rimmer's company secretary Kathy Tate said: "We don't know whether the incident was deliberate or whether it was just them playing around before it went wrong. We have problems with children loitering around in the past and it can be a problem.

"We reckon around £150,000 worth of stock has been destroyed and stockroom is completely wrecked." But Kathy vowed: "We will re-open as soon as possible."

A spokesman for Leyland Fire Station said: "We can confirm that we were called to the premises on Tuesday to deal with an incident which we believe was arson."

Leyland Police said: "From what we saw, severe damage was caused to the exterior of the shop, including the loading area.

"The incident happened at around 8.20pm and we are investigating."

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