NEARLY £20,000 of model aeroplanes were destroyed following an arson attack on a lorry.

The wagon was parked with £17,000 worth of planes by Habergham Mill, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, when it was torched.

A passing police officer saw the fire and raised the alarm just before 1.15am yesterday.

Fire crews were called to tackle the blaze.

The black F-reg Iveco wagon, worth £2,500 and the planes, worth £17,000 were destroyed in the incident.

Police said the wagon was filled with the stock because the owner was due to attend a model aircraft exhibition in London this weekend.

Detectives and fire bosses have launched an investigation.

Inspector Dave Croll of Burnley police said: "The owner was loading the wagon up ready for a model airplane exhibition.

"The incident is being treated as arson."