YOUNG firebugs are thought to have started a blaze which destroyed two cars and put lives at risk.

The fire spread from the vehicles into bedsits in Station Road, Padiham, and trapped two men for several minutes before they escaped unhurt.

Richard Rowan, owner of the cars and the building, said: "Youngsters broke windows in the Uno and then I caught two of them aged aged about ten or eleven in the car trying to wire it.

"They said they hadn't done anything and then gave me the name of another boy who they said had caused the damage and set fire to another car in Padiham.

"That is all bad enough but when a fire spreads into a building lives are put at risk.''

The two Fiat cars were parked at the side of the former post office building.

Mr Rowan said: "Last night I had just set out to have a drink to celebrate my 45th birthday. I had just got a bottle of beer when someone came to say the cars were on fire. Fortunately no-one was hurt.''

Damage to the cars and building is estimated at several thousand pounds.

Mr Rowan said: "I want the police to take action. I know this was caused by youngsters.''

Police are investigating the incident.

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