A SPEED camera torched on a main road in Burnley may give clues to the arsonist who set it on fire, say police.

The camera lens was smashed and the casing was set alight in an attack on a device in Briercliffe Road, near the Towneley Street junction, at around 2.40am on Tuesday.

But the film inside the camera survived the incident and police are studying footage to identify a suspect.

Police are especially keen to speak to a stocky white man, about 5ft 7in tall, believed to have been wearing a black woolly hat and blue overalls in the early hours.

Pc Andy Kent, Briercliffe community beat manager, said: “Love them or hate them, speed cameras are there to help reduce road casualties and ultimately save lives. Damage won’t be tolerated.

“I am appealing for anyone with any information about this incident to come forward at the earliest opportunity.”

Police believe there may have been a number of witnesses to the incident and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The damage comes as the county’s road safety partnership intends to double the number of cameras in Lancashire.

In 2007 the devices were responsible for generating 7,463 court fines for drivers, the Lancashire Telegraph revealed earlier this year.

This was one of the highest rates recorded in the UK.

Four weather monitoring stations in Belmont, Bacup, Longridge and Preston, were also damaged by vandals between December and January, which are thought to have wrongly been identified them as speed cameras. The damage will cost £20,000 to put right.

People with information about the Burnley incident can contact Pc Kent direct on 07984 316850 or the Lancashire Police Communications room on 0845 125 3545.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.