POLICE fear young arsonists could be ready to strike at Chorley factories - putting lives in real danger.

Firebugs have already just been responsible for more than £60,000 worth of damage on Chorley North Industrial Estate at Hartwood Green, it is claimed.

But Chorley detectives are worried there could be a much more serious - and tragic - attack just around the corner.

Sergeant John Cass said: "In the past, the fires have basically been started by someone pushing something through fencing and on to pallets.

"We're especially worried that it might be local kids who were bored and thought this is good fun.

"I've seen a van burn and set fire to the premises. It's the sort of thing that kids might do.

"If we get to the stage where they are progressing from pallets to vehicles, how long will it be until one of the units is set alight?

"People work through the night at these places and the last thing we want is for someone to get injured. Every time the fire brigade are called out their lives are also put at risk."

This week a £40,000 linen van was destroyed and another smoke damaged in a blaze at Sunlight Services - the fourth fire at the complex in the past 12 months.

Police have also investigated three blazes at Hart's Pallets on the site, resulting in more than £20,000 damage to pallets and fencing.

Sgt Cass added: "We believe the compound fencing was cut and someone broke into the vehicles and set them alight from the inside.

"It could have been a lot worse, because the vans ignited easily and the fire could have spread. We are treating this as suspicious and it's still under investigation.

"At the moment we're clutching at straws and if anyone knows who is responsible for any of the fires we would be grateful for their help."

Anyone who has information should call Chorley CID on 246222 or the confidential CrimeStoppers line on 0800 555 111.

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