DEVASTATED shopping arcade boss Eddie Grindrod has warned looters they are facing death.

Following the £1million damage to the Leigh town centre Boulevard - which Eddie and his wife, Alex, have owned for the last seven years - extra security has been put in place to deter thieves.

"The arcade will have been demolished by the weekend but in the meantime looters should be warned that they are breaking into a death trap and all for nothing. There's nothing here to steal," said Mr Grindrod as he surveyed the tangled arcade shell which housed 12 businesses.

Mr Grindrod is now taking building, insurance and legal advice before deciding the future of the prime Bradshawgate site.

"Whatever happens The Boulevard won't be built like it was before the fire.

"And it could be that the site is suitable for just one store.

"I will have to reflect on the advice I am given and I don't expect anything to be built on the site for at least 12 months."

It took 60 firefighters from across the county four hours to get the early morning blaze under control.

Speaking exclusively to The Journal, Mr Grindrod said the blaze cause was still being investigated. But he revealed that fire experts were putting the cause down to either arson, an electrical fault or maybe a discarded cigarette.

Mr Grindrod and his wife were on holiday at the time of the blaze.

"When we got here I couldn't believe what the fire had done and although I don't know a definite figure of the damage caused, a guess in the region of £1million wouldn't be far out."

Mr Grindrod has been connected with The Boulevard, originally the 'indoor market', since 1972. Seven years ago he took it over with his wife.

"All the traders have been like one big family and I am very sorry for them," he added.