A FIREWORK is believed to have caused a fire in a wagon carrying approximately 40,000 wine glasses.

The Polish lorry driver had parked the articulated HGV he was driving in Princess Street, Blackburn, last night (sat).

At around 10pm the driver, who had been reading a book in his cab, saw the back of his wagon was on fire, firefighters said.

He had been transporting approximately 40,000 wine glasses which were stored in boxes and on wooden palettes.

The driver called fire crews then detached his cab from the wagon, parked it around the corner.

The wagon was well alight when firefighters arrived and the glass in the container was shattering in the heat.

Fire crews called police to the scene shortly after they arrived.

Firefighters were at the scene for two hours.

Inspector Nick Williams-Jones said: "We suspect the offender had thrown something possibly a firework into the HGV causing the container to ignite.

"It is totally reckless and dangerous because the consequences could have been worse."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01254 51212.