A speed camera was targeted by arsonists on one of the main roads into Nelson.

Tyres were piled next to the GATSO device, in Manchester Road, and set alight early on Sunday morning.

The camera and its housing cost around £20,000 to install and are the responsibility of the Lancashire Road Safety Camera Partnership, part of the county council.

John Taylor, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said the camera lens had been damaged in the blaze.

Camera partnership bosses will now consider whether a replacement should be ordered.

Mike Kirby, the county council’s strategic highways director, said: “No decision has been taken at this stage about the camera.”