DETECTIVES are scouring CCTV footage from cameras surrounding an Accrington DIY store in a bid to track down arsonists they believe torched the building.

And forensics experts have been poring over the scene of the suspicious blaze for clues.

The suspected arson attack on the DIY shop has caused structural damage costing an estimated £50,000. And the store is believed to have lost more than £100,000 of stock through fire, smoke and water damage.

Police today said "helpful" CCTV footage from the Glyn Webb shop and surrounding area of the town centre was being viewed, in an attempt to establish who, or what, caused the blaze.

Two members of staff from the Blackburn Road store returned home yesterday, after treatment for smoke inhalation and shock.

Fire experts are also trying to establish the cause of the inferno, which is being treated as suspicious.

Leading fire officer Steve Kennedy said: "We came back to the shop on Friday morning to see the site in daylight and start trying to see how it started.

"We've got CCTV footage from the store and town centre cameras, which has been partially viewed and quite helpful.

"The fire has caused quite extensive heat and smoke damage, and some of the steelwork has melted.

"Plastic bottles, turpentine, paper and other DIY products burning created an intense heat.

"Because we arrived quite quickly, we managed to save the majority of the building." Stock valued at £100,000 was destroyed.

Station officer Kennedy added: "We've completed our initial investigation. Police are carrying out their work now, and forensic officers have come here from Chorley.

"The fire brigade and police will be viewing more CCTV footage, and reports will be prepared."

He said the fire was still being treated as suspicious but could give no further details.

Shoppers and staff fled the shop when fire broke out on Thursday night.

Two employees returned home yesterday, after being treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

The authorities declined to give names of the pair.

Fire officers initially checked the warehouse-style building, to see if it was safe for forensic investigations to begin yesterday afternoon.

A lone police officer stood guard outside, as firemen surveyed the shop.