FIRE crews, police and council bosses have launched an investigation after around 400 wheelie bins were destroyed in two arson attacks in Nelson.

Firefighters were called to the Pendle Council depot in Every Street at 8.30pm yesterday after around 120 bins were set on fire by youngsters.

And crews were called back to the depot at 2.30am today to a deliberate fire involving around 250 bins.

Arson is being blamed for both fires, which have caused damage costing more than £10,000 based on the cost of a wheelie bin at £30.

A spokesman for Lancashire fire and rescue service said: "The first time we were called to the depot there were about 120 wheelie bins on fire so we dealt with that and about four hours later we were called back and this time there were about 250 bins ablaze.

"We had to put on a water curtain to protect a nearby electricity sub-station while we tackled the blaze.

"A group of youngsters were seen near the depot at the time of the first fire and both incidents are being treated as deliberate."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating the incidents along with the fire service."