VANDALS are believed to be behind a fire at a Leyland scrap yard where 13 cars went up in smoke yesterday.

Paul Rhodes' scrap yard, Leyland Lane, was well alight when firefighter arrived at 7.50pm.

Mr Rhodes, 51, said: "This is an act of mindless vandalism. I'm closing down, so it hasn't affected me too badly.

"I've been in business for nearly 30 years and this was my worst fear. The cars are in the skip. I'm not sure what I'll do after this place closes, but I'm too young to retire yet."

There were no injuries.