A BUSINESSMAN has horrified when a bomb was found close to his firm in Preston.

Amazed Colin Heaton, who 25 years ago worked for a firm police reckon was on an IRA hit-list, returned from his weekend to hear about a device found under a van next to his business, North Shipping, on Ward Street, Lostock Hall.

Mr Heaton, Chorley's Referendum Party candidate in the General Election, said: "About 25 years ago I worked for a firm on Preston docks and we were told by police we were on an IRA bombing list.

"I don't think this is connected but it's still a matter of concern. There's a lot of residents in this street. You can replace property but not people."

Sleeping locals were woken by the emergency services during the incident at 1am on Sunday (June 22).

Firefighters rushed to investigate reports of a burning car but arrived to find the device under the back wheel of a red Ford Escort van.

Army bomb disposal experts who carried out a controlled explosion in a nearby field.

Ward Street resident Brian Redmond said: "My brother's camper van was parked near and it carries propane gas. The whole street could have gone up." Detective Inspector Keith Parker of Leyland police said: "It's not thought there's any terrorist activity connected to the incident."

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