ARSONISTS caused more than £40,000 worth of damage in an attack on a Boothstown factory complex on Sunday morning.

Police are investigating after intruders poured petrol over heavy goods vehicles and electrical products at Excel Logistics, Chaddock Lane, Boothstown, which stock products for United Utilities.

Leigh firefighters said that they could see the blaze from as far as two miles away.

Security guards have told police that the attack is the latest in a string of incidents at the premises. It follows a number of break-ins and mindless attacks by vandals.

Leigh Station Officer Steve Birchall said: "Someone got into the yard and set fire to a waggon which costs at least £20,000.

"They also poured petrol over a second HGV but didn't set it alight and destroyed a number of goods piled up in the yard.'

Fire crews were at the scene for more than two hours.

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