A Preston Tarmac plant has been shut for over a week after a fire caused more than £80,000 worth of damage.

The site, in Bold Street, Preston, was hit by thieves just before the blaze which happened at about 11.45pm on Sunday.

It is thought they ripped down CCTV equipment, worth £3,000, which had been installed three months ago, and stole computers.

Firefighters arrived to find the blaze engulfing a temporary office containing computers, records and the electrical equipment that controlled the whole plant.

Jason Moore, plant manager, said: "The devastation was incredible. They destroyed absolutely everything.

"It's been an uphill battle all week to get back on our feet."

The clean-up operation is expected to go on until at least Monday and temporary offices have been set up, but staff have had to relocate to Manchester and Widnes, in Cheshire.

Mr Moore, who has worked for Tarmac for 20 years, said: "I don't think these people realise the trouble they have caused.

"There has been a lot of inconvenience, cost and disruption caused by this mindless group of vandals."

He said the company, which produces flooring and building materials, would have to foot the bill because the insurance excess is £100,000. He said they hoped to be back in business by Monday

Police are treating the blaze as suspicious but cannot say what caused it. They are working with the fire services to discover the cause of the blaze.

Detective Constable Nigel Marler said: "We have got a number of leads to follow up on. We do believe the cause of the fire is suspicious and I will be liaising with fire officers to determine the exact cause."

The police have carried out inquiries at businesses in the area and have urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Preston police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.