AN act of retribution or just wanton vandalism?

That is the question possibly being asked by detectives investigating an arson attack on a Bury firm of solicitors on Tuesday night. A ground floor room suffered minor fire and smoke damage when a number of accelerants were thrown through a broken side window.

Shortly before midnight two crews of fire fighters were called to Clough and Willis solicitors in Manchester Road after a burglar alarm was activated when the window was smashed.

The small blaze was quickly extinguished by two fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Now, witnesses are being sought by police in the hope that they can identify the arsonist and bring them to justice.

Detectives at Bury CID have refused to confirm or deny a possibly link to a former client of the solicitors although a spokesman said: "This matter will be investigated thoroughly and that investigation is on-going."

Mr Timothy Gray, a partner at Clough and Willis said: "No damage was done to any of our clients files, papers or documents and there is no disruption to our work."

Anyone with information should contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.