ARSON is being blamed for a fierce blaze which destroyed the rear storage area of a gas appliance showroom.

During the height of the fire, the intense heat fractured three gas pipes before the leaking supply was itself ignited.

The fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at Parkhills Gas Showroom, Parkhills Road, Bury.

The building, which was destroyed, was full of stock and manager of the showroom Mr David Johnson, is still unsure of the amount of damage the blaze caused.

Mr Johnson, who was awoken by the police at 5am on Friday, said: "Things could have been a lot worse.

"It was thanks to the police who spotted the fire, and the crew who managed to contain the fire and keep the showroom intact."

Fire crews initially believed the blaze had been caused by the gas leak. The supply was cut off after an hour.

British Gas North West workmen arrived at the scene to isolate the power and later were involved in carrying out investigative work.

However, following inquiries, fire chiefs believe the outbreak was started deliberately.

Bury-based leading fireman, Gary Costain said: "Following further investigations, we have ruled out leaking gas from the fractured pipes.

"The incident is now being treated as malicious."

Meanwhile, Bury Police are investigating the incident.

"The fire is not going to stop us from getting back to work. As soon as we have finished cleaning up, the showroom will back to normal," said Mr Johnson.

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