ARSONISTS are being blamed for a £20,000 fire at a garage that saw two cars destroyed and a further six badly damaged.

Fire crews were called to Vantage Garages, Accrington Road, Burnley, at 11.40pm on Tuesday.

Detectives have now launched an investigation.

Dave Robinson, crew manager at Burnley fire station, said: "We used a special foam so that it did not spread as much and to knock it out as quickly as possible.

"Fortunately there is CCTV at the premise which will be looked at.

"So severe was the fire and there was so much damage that we could not really tell how it had started, hopefully the CCTV will help in this."

He said that two cars were destroyed and six others were damaged by radiated heat and flames.

General manager Ken Palmer said the cost of the fire was likely to run into thousands of pounds. He added: "We are doing everything we can to help the police with their investigation."

Det Con Chris Scott, of Burnley CID, said: "The fire is being treated as an arson. We have been up at the scene and forensic officers have examined it and we are waiting for them to report back. We are also viewing the footage from the CCTV cameras which cover the garage.

"I would appeal for anyone who knows anything or who saw anything suspicious around the garage at shortly after 11pm to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information should call Burnley CID on 01282 472142 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.