A PLUMBING boss is determined his business will not fold after he lost his premises in an explosion.

Devastated Paul Robinson spoke about the future of contractors Joshua Grimshaw Ltd as police continued to question three men arrested after the incident.

The shop was destroyed when an explosion ripped through the Hina Indian takeaway next door destroying both properties in the Bank Top area of Blackburn in the early hours of yesterday.

A third shop -- Bank Top General Store -- was also badly damaged and is expected to be pulled down.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Robinson, loss assessor Nigel Corwin said: "Obviously Paul was devastated as anyone would be.

"But already he has taken the bull by the horns and was organising his men from 7.30 yesterday morning."

The blast at around 3am yesterday, is being treated by police as suspicious. Three men have been arrested -- one is under police guard in hospital after receiving burns from the blast.

Det Insp Mark Gray, of Blackburn CID, said: "We are questioning three local men in connection with this incident, two of whom are in custody and one under police guard at hospital.

"From the beginning this incident was clearly recognised as more than an accident and we are proceeding with several positive lines of inquiry."

The man detained at Royal Preston Hospital was said to be in a 'comfortable' condition today.

The plumbing business had been at the Bank Top site since 1907 when it was founded by Joshua Grimshaw. In 1971 Paul Robinson's dad Thomas -- who used to work for Mr Grimshaw -- bought the business.

Paul employs five people, mainly carrying out large scale contracts on schools and hospitals.

The takeaway is believed to have recently been taken over by new management.

Mr Corwin said: "Paul is a very resilient person and is determined not to be affected by this. He still has contracts to fulfil and is committed to doing so. He said the main thing was is that nobody was hurt." Firefighters believe gas may have caused the explosion. A spokesman for Blackburn Fire Station today said: "It is looking like arson and not a gas leak. Investigations are still ongoing."

Transco reassured residents they were in no danger following the explosion. A spokesman said: "We have checked all the gas supplies in the Transco pipes and the systems around that area and we are satisfied they are safe."

Mr Robinson said he could still be contacted by customers on his works number.

More than 1,500 pupils at St Wilfrid's High School and Technology College were expected back in the classroom today after they were kept away when the area was deemed unsafe.